Jimmy Thelin says the pressure is a positive as Aberdeen look to avoid a huge shock and reach the League Cup semis for the third season running.

The Dons have won 10 out of 10 games in all competitions this season and are overwhelming favourites to see off fourth-tier Spartans at Pittodrie on Saturday night.

“That is why we need to be strong in our identity,” said manager Thelin.

“It is always some weight of pressure but you have to embrace it and see it is a positive that people believe in you and push you. I think that is why you have to find a good level inside games.

“It is a really important game to win at home. It is a cup game, they have a good coach, he is the longest serving coach at one club now.

“They have some experienced ex-Premiership players, they beat Ross County, everybody knows the cup is the cup and we need to be really focused on this one and prepare ourselves and go with all we have to get through to the next round.”

With Spartans having claimed the scalp of Ross County in the last round, Thelin will be well aware what could happen if his team aren’t bang at it.

“That is why it is so exciting for all the cups in the world that different teams from different levels can play against each other,” he added.

“So I think it is important to respect that and always have that in mind in the competition. It is only one game and football is football so we have to be ready.”