Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin expects close cup clash with Queen’s Park

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin expects their latest cup meeting with Queen’s Park to be decided by fine margins again.

The Dons beat Callum Davidson’s Championship side 1-0 in the Premier Sports Cup in August thanks to Topi Keskinen’s 90th-minute goal, midway through their 13-match winning run at the start of the season.

Aberdeen go into Saturday’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter-final, having won only four out of their last 20 games, although there have been clear signs of improvement recently.

Queen’s Park have also shown how dangerous they can be by beating Rangers at Ibrox in the previous round.

“Every game is a new game but we were really impressed with them,” Thelin said. “We won more or less with the last shot of the game.

“Cup games are always intense. It’s always small margins. We have to be really sharp. We have to be ready. I feel we are ready.

“We are playing at home at Pittodrie again, with our supporters. We had a really strong second half last game and I think we’re improving every week now.

“We’re looking forward to the game but they have done really well. They are a good team with a good manager and let’s be ready for that.

“We’re ready. I like the cup in so many ways because it’s 90 minutes, you have to win and there’s no other option. It’s important for so many people. There is some good pressure there also and I’m looking forward to the game.

“We have to be optimistic about the situation, but also be aware of the strength of the opponent and you can see in the cups, all over the UK and Scotland, there are some big results.

“That’s why it’s so exciting with the cup that you can compete over different divisions.”