Aberdeen have a great chance of going one better than last year by lifting the Scottish Cup this season.
There are still a lot of major hurdles to get over but the Dons are playing well and are brimming with confidence.
In contrast, cup holders Celtic are looking shaky and they are certainly not the same accomplished team who won the treble last season.
The Hoops’ defence is looking ropy.
With the way Aberdeen are playing, lifting the trophy for the first time since 1990 is more than possible.
The semi-finals are shaping up to be the battle of the Scottish heavy-weights as on form it should contain Celtic and Rangers along with Hearts or Motherwell.
Kilmarnock stand between Aberdeen and the last four and it will be a tough tie as Steve Clarke has done a fantastic job at Rugby Park.
However, Aberdeen have home advantage which is important as they are playing well at Pittodrie.
The draws have been kind to the Dons as it will be their third straight home tie in the Scottish Cup this season.
If Aberdeen can make it to the semi-final they must look to utilise the experience they have gained from playing at Hampden in recent years.
They played at the national stadium four times last season and that experience can be invaluable when dealing with semi-finals and finals.
Aberdeen thoroughly deserved the victory against a Dundee United side who came to Pittodrie to park the bus in the first half.
After the break the Tannadice side opened up more and brought on experienced players which caused the Dons a problem or two.
Yet at no point did Aberdeen’s progression to the quarter-finals ever look in doubt.
There were good goals with Kenny McLean’s the pick of the bunch as there was still a lot to do when the cross came in.
The midfielder managed to manoeuvre some space between the centre-back and full-back.
The header was from far out and McLean had to direct it into the far corner to make it difficult for the keeper.
The goal from Paul McMullan was spectacular and the best of the game.
Dundee United took on McMullan, Scott McDonald and Thomas Mikkelsen as substitutes.
I don’t know why Csaba László didn’t play those experienced campaigners from the start, particularly when they had so many injuries.
This article originally appeared on the Evening Express website. For more information, read about our new combined website.