Manager in spotlight: Jimmy Thelin

It would be one of the biggest shocks in League Cup history if Aberdeen were not to extend their 10-game winning run since Jimmy Thelin took charge at the start of the season.

People will point to the Dons' dismal Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Darvel - a side from Scotland sixth tier - in early 2023.

And, yes, Spartans are two tiers higher and have already accounted for one Premiership side this season, as well as a Livingston team who were in the top division last season, to secure a first national cup quarter-final.

But this is a different Aberdeen, this time the minnows are having to travel to Pittodrie, and part-time Spartans have only won once in five outings since knocking out Ross County.

Peter Leven steadied the Dons ship in his second spell as caretaker last season after Neil Warnock's ill-fated short spell in charge, but Thelin has transformed their fortunes since.

It has fans dreaming of going one better than last year's 1-0 defeat by Rangers in the final and lifting the trophy for the first time since edging Inverness Caledonian Thistle on penalties in 2014.

The 46-year-old Swede has only so far notched one trophy success - leading Jonkopings Sodra to the second-tier title in his homeland before finishing runner-up in the top flight twice with Elfsborg.

While his rebuilt current side are only being kept off the top of the Premiership by Celtic on goal difference, Thelin has warned supporters not to get "carried away" by thoughts of winning the league title and will realise the cup is always the best chance for non-Old Firm clubs to win silverware.