It’s little surprise Jimmy Thelin has reached a domestic cup semi-final so soon after becoming manager of Aberdeen.
In such a short space of time, the Swede has completely revolutionised the Pittodrie club from an underperforming side to a relentless winning machine.
His first game in charge came in the Premier Sports Cup against Queen of the South and from thereon in, it’s been remarkable to see the Dons go neck and neck with Celtic and move well clear of Rangers in the Premiership, among other achievements.
Thelin navigated Aberdeen through the group stage with consummate ease and after beating Queen’s Park and Dundee in the previous two knockout rounds, they’ll have to beat Celtic on Saturday to make their way into the final against either Motherwell or Rangers.
So how will Thelin line his team up at Hampden after the euphoria of Wednesday night’s Pittodrie triumph over Rangers?
Shayden Morris handed Aberdeen start
We at Not The Old Firm expect Thelin to drop Finnish winger Top Keskinen – who cost the club £1m in the summer – for the electric super-sub Shayden Morris.
Morris has mainly been used off the bench this season but his impacts have been growing and growing.
He leapt off the bench against Dundee United last Saturday to help Aberdeen secure victory before scoring the winner versus Rangers in midweek.
Moreover, Morris has one goal and three assists in the Premier Sports Cup this season so it only feels right Thelin picks him from the start.
Elsewhere, Thelin is expected to field an unchanged line-up. Duk is fit enough to play despite going down holding his leg against Rangers and Kevin Nisbet is back available – but it’s likely he’ll be on the bench to begin with.
Here’s our Aberdeen predicted XI to face Celtic in full:
Aberdeen predicted XI vs Celtic
GK – Dimitar Mitov
RB – Nicky Devlin
CB – Gavin Molloy
CB – Slobodan Rubezic
LB – Jack MacKenzie
CM – Sivert Heltne Nilsen
CM – Graeme Shinnie
RW – Shayden Morris
LW – Duk
CAM – Jamie McGrath
ST – Ester Sokler