Wednesday 28 January 2015 20:58, UK
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has played down talk that his side are expected to beat Dundee United in this Saturday's Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden Park.
The Dons travel to Glasgow currently second in the Scottish Premiership table, just three points and two places above this weekend’s opponents.
McInnes said: "I would not say we are favourites.
"Both teams are evenly matched. The league table would suggest that. Although we have slightly had the upper hand in head-to-head meetings in recent years, there has been an improvement in Dundee United this season. There is also an improvement in my team.
"There is a healthy respect from both sets of players and managers about the opposition.”
Any time we have beaten United it has needed a big performance
Regarding the Terrors, McInnes added: "United have players who, if you give them time and space to operate, they can punish you like we have as well.
“Both teams are capable of causing each other problems. Any time we have beaten United it has needed a big performance.”
And he also praised his own side who are hoping to achieve back-to-back titles in the competition: "The team have demonstrated even since we won the League Cup last season how motivated and how focused they are.
“A lot of teams can win a cup and then don't do anything after. This is our third semi-final in a row. Also, we have demonstrated with our league form this season and last that there is a lot to like about us.
“We can build on winning a trophy. We want to win it again and be successful again. I think my team has a maturity about them. They are a year on and have experienced what it takes to win. It pleases me no end that regardless of what game it is, the motivation is always there.”
