Aberdeen and Dundee meet again on Saturday, this time in the Premier Sports Cup Last 16 at Pittodrie after Dundee won 2-0 at Dens Park last weekend.
The quick turnaround gives Aberdeen an immediate chance to respond in a knockout tie, with the winner moving on to the quarter-final stage. The draw for that round is due to take place on Sunday after Rangers vs St Mirren at Ibrox.
What Aberdeen must reset
Aberdeen head coach said after the defeat that he has to "try and pick the players up and get a reaction to that next week." He added that he was not going to single out individuals, saying the team needs more from everybody, including both the experienced players and the younger ones.
That message fits the nature of the fixture. A League Cup-style rematch does not leave much room to dwell on the previous result, especially when the same opponent is back again so quickly in a one-and-done cup setting.
Home history offers Aberdeen encouragement
Aberdeen's preview points to a healthy record against Dundee in League Cup meetings at Pittodrie, which gives the home side some encouragement as they prepare for another meeting. One of the most notable examples came in August 2011, when Aberdeen beat Dundee at Pittodrie and Darren Mackie scored the winner in the 17th minute.
That history does not change the task in front of Aberdeen, but it does show why Pittodrie matters in this matchup. Dundee already have the recent edge after last Saturday, while Aberdeen will be looking for a faster response in front of their own support.
How to follow the tie
The match is part of the Premier Sports Cup knockout stage, and broadcast availability includes RedTV International and the Premier Sports Player. With the quarter-final stage draw set for Sunday, Saturday's result will immediately shape both clubs' next step in the competition.
For Aberdeen, the assignment is simple: recover quickly, improve from the last meeting, and use home advantage to keep the cup run alive.
