| venue: Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen date: Saturday, March 9th kick off: 12:15 GMT |
| coverage: Watch on BBC One Scotland and iPlayer and follow the live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app |
Neil Warnock has dismissed “hypotheticals” that Kilmarnock would beat Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup to increase the pressure on him.
Warnock is aiming for his second win as Pittodrie manager and insists “the little things can turn a season around''.
Since replacing Barry Robson, his only wins have come in cup competitions, with a Premiership record of two draws and four defeats.
“Don't get too drawn into the 'what ifs'” and “What if?” ''' Warnock said.
Ahead of the visit to Killie on Saturday lunchtime, Warnock was asked if he would take a defeat to the point where he might think they couldn't have done better to start the Dons' campaign, with the team now in the top flight. I came in 10th place.
“That's really a hypothesis. I think you'll have to ask me when that will happen,” said the Brit.
“My focus at the moment is just trying to be positive and try to get a result against Kilmarnock on Saturday.
“You guys just have to work at it now. I know you're feeling sorry for yourself, but I think you guys are doing it 24 hours a day, but we're doing a great job on this. We need to understand how lucky we are in this day and age when so many people are unemployed.
“Yes, things aren't going well at the moment. My confidence is a little low, but I know that one good result can change things, so let's keep going.”
Warnock believes Saturday's match, which will be broadcast live on BBC One Scotland, is “like a breath of fresh air” away from the Premiership.
His team defeated Bonnyrigg Rose in the previous round.
“The little things can turn a season around and I think that's what's remarkable, this cup, the pressure is off league points,” Warnock explained.
“This is the game with the carrot of a semi-final at the end and it couldn’t be better for the players to be in a game like that and they have to look forward to it.
“Everyone needs a turning point when you're having a bad run like we were.
“You just have to keep going. You've had a toothache a few times since I've been here, right? You need a little luck to go. To be honest, we're not very lucky. did.”
