Gothenburg Great Neale Cooper believes Aberdeen are the only team that can prevent Celtic winning a domestic treble this season.
The Hoops defeated the Dons 3-0 in November’s Betfred Cup final and are well on their way to claiming the Scottish Premiership title having already amassed a 27-point lead at the summit.
The Dons have not won the Scottish Cup since defeating Celtic 9-8 on penalties at Hampden in 1990.
But Cooper feels Derek McInnes’ Reds, who face Ross County in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup this Saturday, can stop Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops completing a clean sweep of the domestic silverware.
He said: “It would be great if Aberdeen could get to the Scottish Cup final because they disappointed so much in the Betfred Cup final.
“Everyone thought they would do really well but, on the day, they had to admit they didn’t deliver.
“Brendan Rogers has done a great job at Celtic and you do wonder if anyone can beat them but I think if anyone can it’s definitely Aberdeen.
“It would be massive if they do because even the management agreed that they didn’t turn up for the final in November.
“I’m sure the manager and Tony Docherty will use that as motivation in the changing room, saying that really wasn’t the real Aberdeen that let down so many people.
“Now they will want to go on a good run in the Scottish Cup and I think it would be a great achievement if they can win it and stop Celtic winning the treble.
“I was fortunate to win the Scottish Cup four years out of five with Aberdeen in the 1980s and Dundee United knocked us out in the semi-final the other year when I was sent off.
“We had a great run at that time. I loved it and I can’t believe it’s so long since the club last lifted the trophy as it was a massive one to win.
“Aberdeen are the best equipped team to stop Celtic winning the Scottish Cup. If anyone can it’s them.”
However, Cooper feels the Dons have been dealt a very tricky tie against Ross County, the side he managed from 1996 to 2002.
He added: “I think this will be one of the hardest games. Ross County are in good form and have a couple of players who can cause problems.
“They will be up for it after taking a point against Rangers on Saturday, so this is a really tricky tie. They will be very motivated. This could be one of the best games of the weekend.”