Aberdeen’s run to the Betfred Cup final was built on a solid defence – but that disappeared against Motherwell.
It is a concern that the game before a final has raised questions over what has been the strongest part of the Dons team this season.
The department which has been the highlight for the Reds collapsed in the 3-0 loss at Fir Park.
Aberdeen have not been like that defensively this season and it will be a concern to manager Derek McInnes coming so close to the cup final.
Most of the important games the Dons have won this season have been through attrition rather than quality play.
In the Betfred Cup semi-final against Rangers and quarter-final against Hibs the opposition played the better football but Aberdeen managed to get the win.
Those cup wins came through solid defending and building on that.
Having that organisation and determination to find a result are good traits for a team to have.
That is what manager McInnes must focus on for the final. Granted, there may be a concern after losing to Motherwell but there can be no trepidation going into the final.
Aberdeen must go to Hampden with confidence and self-belief.
They must also have the understanding that they are up against a Celtic team who are performing to a high level.
Every Dons player must be at their best and there can be no performances like the one against Motherwell.
If Aberdeen repeat that Fir Park showing they will be handing the trophy to Celtic on a plate.
The Dons paved a path to the final by being defensively rock solid against both Rangers and Hibs. If they reproduce those levels then there is no doubt they have a chance of lifting the trophy on Sunday.
Aberdeen’s issue for the majority of this campaign has been centred around creating and taking chances.
Struggling Hamilton and St Mirren are the only sides Aberdeen have scored more than two goals against this term.
This season has seen the manager Derek McInnes searching for the answer to the creative and goalscoring problem while always relying on the defence.
There was the knowledge that the defensive department were performing well which gives the foundation to get into a cup final.
That dissipated at Fir Park. However, it is just one game and the Dons were without the injured Mikey Devlin who has been a solid part of that central defensive partnership.
If the solid part of the team is starting to look stretched and uncertain, Aberdeen are still not scoring.
Then they are going into the cup final with that concern that the strongest part of the team is showing a weakness.
Manager Derek McInnes will be hoping Devlin recovers from his foot injury for the final as they will need that stability and confidence at the back going into a game against Celtic.
The understanding with Devlin and Scott McKenna is strong.
Shay Logan is the established right-back and Joe Lewis is a very talented goalkeeper.
If you can get everyone fit the only question at the back is if you play Andy Considine or Max Lowe at left-back.
Aberdeen will need players like Gary Mackay-Steven and Niall McGinn to perform on the day.
They are the creative players and there will be a lot of pressure on them to perform as well as sorting out the defensive problems.
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