Dunfermline v Aberdeen Scottish Cup predictions and is Sandro Schwarz the man for the Dons?
There can be a rush these days to describe any important match as “season-defining” for one club but it really feels as if Aberdeen’s stuttering campaign all hinges on Saturday’s trip to Dunfermline.
The Dons would love to book a trip back to Hampden and move one step closer to defending the Scottish Cup by winning this quarter-final tie.
But they will have to overcome Neil Lennon’s Pars – and that may not be easy given the Dons’ recent form.
The P&J asked their sports writers Paul Third, Sean Wallace and Paul Chalk what they are anticipating from this weekend’s Scottish Cup matches – and what they think of Aberdeen managerial candidate Sandro Schwarz.
It’s a huge Scottish Cup tie at East End Park on Saturday night – what is your prediction for Dunfermline v Aberdeen?
PT: This is Dunfermline’s cup final and they’ll rightly approach it as having nothing to lose, but Aberdeen’s performance against Celtic gives some cause for optimism.
The first goal in this one will be crucial and if Aberdeen get it then I’d fancy them to come through the tie more comfortably than many fear. I’ll go 3-1 to the Dons.
SW: It will be a tough test against the Championship side managed by seasoned campaigner Neil Lennon but Aberdeen will progress to the semi-final.
Although the Dons are on a winless run in the Premiership there were enough positives from the 2-1 loss to Celtic to point to an Aberdeen win on Saturday.
Saving the season hinges on this game as Aberdeen can no longer finish in the top six.
PC: I covered Dunfermline’s impressive 3-0 Championship win against Ross County on Tuesday, and the Pars have flair about them, backed up by looking solid defensively, keeping two successive clean sheets this week.
Two-goal midweek ace Callumn Morrison misses out through suspension, but Chris Kane, who also scored on Tuesday, would be a capable replacement.
Creative midfielder Alfons Almade and on-loan Bristol City forward Olly Thomas were lively and will have to be watched closely by the trophy-holding Dons.
Pars boss Neil Lennon knows Aberdeen’s best displays this year have come in the Scottish Cup as his team seek to take a second scalp having beaten Hibs 1-0 in the competition in January.
I think this tie will require 120 minutes to settle, but Aberdeen will emerge 2-1 victors to seal their Hampden return.
Who do you expect to progress from the three other semi-finals?
PT: Dundee United had a terrific result against Falkirk in the league recently but I fancy the Bairns to gain some revenge and reach the semi-final.
The Ibrox encounter could really be anything. Celtic were very good in the second half when the sides met in the league last weekend but a free week to prepare may just be significant. Rangers to go through – but it’ll be close.
It feels as if a coin toss could decide the other quarter-final too. St Mirren’s cup pedigree is very good this season but their form has dipped dramatically since winning the League Cup. An in-form Partick will fancy their chances but I think this will go the distance. Saints to progress on penalties.
SW: Falkirk have been a breath of fresh air since promotion to the Premiership and will edge out Dundee United.
Danny Rohl has worked wonders since taking over at Ibrox and I’m tipping his Rangers side to beat a less than convincing Celtic.
Partick Thistle will pull off a shock by overcoming League Cup winners St Mirren.
PC: I fancy Falkirk to get revenge on Dundee United after losing in this game recently in the Premiership. United have improved recently, but I can see a 2-1 home victory in this one.
The Rangers v Celtic tie is a flip of the coin but Rangers have been particularly strong at home, and I think they might edge this clash 2-1.
St Mirren seem in freefall, but also seem to have had little luck, conceding an own goal and a penalty in their midweek defeat against Dundee United.
They came through a tough test at Airdrieonians last time and, despite Partick challenging St Johnstone for the Championship title, I believe home advantage will favour the Buddies. I’m going for yet another 2-1 scoreline.
The former New York Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz has been visiting Aberdeen this week. Would he be a good appointment?
PT: Short answer – who knows? A good CV is no guarantee of success, but winning percentages tell us little too.
What I do know is another big summer in the transfer market looms at Pittodrie.
The recruitment team has been revamped and now the Dons need someone who can bring a group of players together and fashion a side equipped for the challenges of Scottish football quickly.
SW: Schwarz could be a positive appointment as he is renowned for playing high-press, attacking football.
He has a solid CV having managed New York Red Bulls, Dynamo Moscow, Mainz and Hertha Berlin.
Schwarz kept Mainz in the Bundesliga for a number of seasons against the odds, took Dynamo into a league title fight and Russian Cup final. He also led Red Bulls to the MLS Cup final.
PC: With Schwarz now emerging as a realistic candidate this week, his CV and attacking mindset would be appealing to fans and I note that he is not adverse to handing younger players their chance.
The German’s best period seems to have been with Dynamo Moscow where he led the club to their first top-three finish in 14 years and a Russian Cup final with his stint there from 2020-2022.
His MLS experience with New York Red Bulls offered little over a 30% win rate but he was also an MLS Cup finalist.
I think it’s an ambitious move, but I believe the best candidate for the job is John McGlynn, whose newly-promoted Falkirk team have already all but sealed a top-six Premiership spot.
[Source: Press and Journal]
