Preview: Aberdeen vs. Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

They will host Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic, the only remaining Scottish League Two club in the competition who have reached the fifth round for the first time in history.

Match preview

Neil Warnock's search for his first victory since taking charge of Aberdeen will continue this weekend after his debut in the dugout with the Dons ended in a 2-1 defeat against Rangers.

The experienced manager has been brought in to try and get Abderdeen's season back on track, and while the primary focus will be on retaining their Scottish Premiership status, competing for silverware would be a bonus.

That is something Warnock can do with the Scottish FA Cup, a trophy that the club has not won since 1990, and considering they are facing the lowest-ranked team in the competition there will certainly be pressure and expectation to at least get into the next round.

Aberdeen secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Clyde to progress into this weekend's game with goals from Bojan Miovski and Nicky Devlin being enough on that day.

However, the Dons have not won a match since that point nor have they been able to score more than once in any of their previous five matches which is something they need to work on.

The visitors might head into this game as massive underdogs due to the fact they are the only Scottish League Two club left in the competition, but Aberdeen's recent poor form will certainly give them belief and hope.

Robbie Horn's men provided a surprise in the previous round when they knocked out Falkirk as the team showcased their fighting spirit as Bradley Barrett scored a 90th-minute winner.

Bonnyrigg will now attempt to take that into this weekend in what promises to be their toughest match so far this season, but a challenge that the players will be looking to embrace.

The Rose head into this fixture in good form, as they are undefeated in their previous five matches in all competitions which should provide confidence to the squad.

Unlike their opponents, Bonnyrigg will head into this match with a level of freedom which could end up being the difference maker on the day.

Aberdeen Scottish Cup form:

W

Aberdeen form (all competitions):

W

D

L

D

D

L

Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic Scottish Cup form:

W

Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic form (all competitions):

L

D

W

D

D

W

Team News

Warnock can ill-afford to field a weaker team considering Aberdeen's recent poor run of form, therefore it is expected that the Dons will line up with full strength.

Miovski has been the talisman for the Scottish Premiership outfit this season, with 20 goals to his name, and he should be operating as the lone striker for this match.

Leighton Clarkson and Jonny Hayes were both drafted into Warnock's first starting XI, therefore there is a chance that they will retain their places this weekend as he looks to build some consistency.

Bonnyrigg will be unable to field new signing Scott Mercer this weekend due to the fact he is cup-tied, meaning fans will expect to see one change at full back.

Ross Gray was brought back into the team for their recent 2-0 victory against Elgin City and that could lead to him featuring in the attacking midfield role once again on Saturday.

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Roos; Devlin, Gartenmann, Jensen, MacKenzie; Hayes, Shinnie, Polvara, Clarkson, McGrath; Miovski

Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic possible starting lineup:

Martin; McKenzie, Young, Martyniuk, Peggie; Mailer, Currie; Doan, Gray, Barrett; Dangana

We say: Aberdeen 2-1 Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic

Aberdeen will be hoping that the new manager bounce is in full effect this weekend as they look to end their difficult run of form, and facing a team three divisions below them could be the ideal way to make that happen.

While the visitors will certainly look to make an occasion out of the day, the Dons should be able to get through this test.

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