Under-fire Stephen Robinson has a knack for big semi-final days at Hampden, but Aberdeen now face their toughest Scottish test yet in McInnes' Rangers.
Stephen Robinson knows the pressure is building at Aberdeen, and a Scottish semi-final against Rangers on Saturday could shape the rest of his time at Pittodrie. A trip to Hampden is the kind of occasion where a manager's fortunes can flip in 90 minutes.
Cup semi-finals have been kind to Robinson in the past. He has a reputation for getting his teams organised, aggressive and emotionally switched on for one-off knockout games at the national stadium. That reputation will matter to a fanbase hungry for a reason to believe.
The challenge is steep. Rangers, now under Derek McInnes, bring extra intrigue to the tie. McInnes spent years in the Aberdeen dugout and knows exactly what this club and its supporters expect. He also understands how to frustrate opponents and win tight, high-stakes matches.
For Aberdeen, the blueprint looks familiar: stay compact, win the second balls, and make Hampden uncomfortable for a Rangers side expected to dominate possession. One set piece or one moment of belief could swing it. Lose, and the questions around Robinson will only get louder. Win, and a final berth could turn the season around.
