One of the more intriguing encounters in this weekend’s Scottish Cup action is the visit of Aberdeen to Ross County. Both sides are capable of big performances on their day and this one could steal the show across an already exciting weekend.
Jim McIntyre already has one over on Derek McInnes in Dingwall this season, also inspiring his side to a home win over the Dons last term.
Consistency is often Ross County’s problem but as shown in last season’s Scottish League Cup, they do have the quality and desire to play above themselves and achieve major silverware.
They showed that kind of spirit last weekend too, when they went to Ibrox and picked up a massive point against Mark Warburton’s Rangers.
Aberdeen though are in fine form and have only lost one of their last seven – even that came against the seemingly invincible Celtic.
Where will this one be won and lost? Here are the THREE key battles that will define the outcome of this cup clash…
Liam Boyce vs. Andrew Considine
Liam Boyce has played a number of roles this season; on the right, on the left, through the middle. The chances are though at some point he’s going to butt heads with Andrew Considine who himself can be deployed on the right side or in the centre.
Boyce is taking the Scottish Premiership by storm this season. With 13 goals and 3 assists, he’s rubbing shoulders with the likes of Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele in terms of domestic contribution.
The Northern Ireland striker will be a constant threat against Aberdeen and in Considine he will come up against one of the most experience defenders around.
A 14-year veteran of Aberdeen, the versatile defender has made close to 400 appearances for the Dons and he’s not even 30 years old. That wealth of experience will serve him well in Dingwall and he’ll need to be at the top of his game to see off the likes of Liam Boyce and Alex Schalk.
Marcus Fraser vs. Niall McGinn
Like Liam Boyce, fellow countryman Niall McGinn is having an excellent season in Scotland. With twelve goals in all competitions, he’s arguably been Aberdeen’s most effective attacking outlet this season.
Depending on how Ross County shape up, the man most likely to be tasked with counteracting his threat is young defender Marcus Fraser. The 22-year-old has managed to forge a fine career for himself at County and his performance at Ibrox last weekend showed he has what it takes to excel in the Scottish top-flight.
Going up against Aberdeen will be one of the toughest tests of Fraser’s season so far but another impressive showing from the Scotland U21 international will go a long way to securing victory for the Staggies, especially if it neutralises the threat of Aberdeen’s most dangerous player.
Tim Chow vs. Kenny McLean
Kenny McLean is one of the Scottish top flight’s most impressive midfielders and has been ever since his days at St. Mirren. Under Derek McInnes at Aberdeen, he’s developed into a fine player and his ability was recognised by Scotland boss Gordon Strachan last year when he won his first Scotland cap against Czech Republic.
A key component of the Dons system, especially going forward, it will be up to English midfielder Tim Chow who has been the defensive fulcrum in the heart of the County engine room in recent weeks.
Chow came through the ranks at Wigan and also happened to be a hero in the last round against Dundee United, scoring County’s third goal in a 6-2 rout.
Whoever wins this battle stands a very good chance of being the most influential player on the pitch.
