Scottish Cup
2008-01-29 - Aberdeen vs Dundee United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP SEMI FINAL
TUESDAY 29 JAN -- Kick off 19:45 GMT
The tie is being played at Tynecastle in Edinburgh.
ABERDEEN
Aberdeen are only a step away from a final appearance for the first time since 2000.
They currently sit in 5th place in the Scottish Premier League but have seen themselves fall 5 points behind Dundee United in 3rd spot in recent weeks. They have a 9-6-9 record in the division with 28 goals scored and 33 conceded.
On their travels they are 3-3-6 with only 9 goals scored and 22 conceded. The Dons beat Partick Thistle away (0-2) and Inverness at home (4-1) to reach this stage.
Aberdeen have not been in great form recently with only 1 win in their last 5 games in all competitions. After a 7 game unbeaten run, the Dons have lost 2 of their last 3 games but have been a good cup team all season.
They are still involved in the Scottish FA Cup and the UEFA Cup. Aberdeen have been thumped at Tynecastle once this season when they visited Hearts and lost 4-1.
Jimmy Calderwood's injury problems at Aberdeen are not easing but extending all the time. Scott Severin, Jamie Smith and Derek Young are all doubtful after picking up knocks in the weekend fixture. Richie Byrne, Michael Hart and Sone Aluko are all still out and Stuart Duff is cup tied after playing earlier this season for Dundee United.
DUNDEE UNITED
Dundee United have moved up to 3rd in the Scottish Premier League in recent weeks but are only 3 points better off than Motherwell in 4th who also have 3 games in hand over United.
Their overall record this season is 12-2-10 with 37 goals scored and 31 conceded. Their goal tally is the best outside of the Old Firm in the division. Away from home United are 4-1-7 with 19 goals scored and 24 conceded.
Dundee United have won 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions including a 3-0 win over Aberdeen 10 days ago. They progressed to this stage of the competiton after beating Ross County at home (2-1), Falkirk away (0-1) and Hamilton at home (3-1).
They too have continued their progress in the Scottish FA Cup. Dundee United won on their previous visit to Tynecastle this season when they beat Hearts 1-3.
Danny Grainger is out as he is cup tied, but there could be a debut for new signing Mihael Kovacevic. Morgaro Gomis and Lee Wilkie are also available for selection.
HEAD TO HEAD
Dundee United have won 4 of the last 5 meetings against Aberdeen at home and away. This season they have met on 3 previous occasions with Dundee United winning both of their games at home and Aberdeen winning at Pittodrie.
Before this sequence of 4 wins from 5 for Dundee United, Aberdeen had not lost in 9 matches against United.
PREDICTION :
To get to a domestic final is very important for the progress of both sides and could be a ticket into European competition next season.
Aberdeen seem to be out of form at just the wrong time and with the way Dundee United are playing at present, the prices on them seem too good to turn down.
The Pick :
ABERDEEN 0-2 DUNDEE UNITED
