The introduction of premiership teams into the Scottish Cup make for potential upsets and demolitions, as teams look to progress to the final 16. Representation from all four professional divisions, plus highland and lowland leagues makes this season’s Scottish Cup fourth round an enticing weekend of football. In the North East, four teams have made their way into the hat for this round, each with interesting fixtures.

Clyde Vs ABERDEEN

19/01/24- 7:45pm (Live on BBC Scotland)

The Dons will travel down to Clyde’s adopted ground- the ZlX stadium in Hamilton, for one of the highlighted fixtures of the weekend, live on BBC Scotland. Aberdeen will be looking to avoid a repeat of last season’s humiliating defeat at the hands of Darvel- one of the biggest upsets in Scottish Cup history. The West of Scotland side defeated Jim Goodwin’s Dons 1-0, which will still be on the minds of many Aberdeen fans travelling this weekend. In the year that followed the Darvel defeat, Aberdeen have struggled to maintain any good form, and despite a positive Europa Conference League run and a cup final, Barry Robson never seems far from his marching orders.

Clyde have languished at the bottom of League 2 for most of the season, picking up just 2 wins from a possible 19. Their Scottish Cup run this season has been positive, beating Musselburgh Athletic on the TV before a good victory against Perth side Jeanfield Swifts. Manager Ian McCall must think of something special if he wants Clyde to progress past a presumably strong Aberdeen side, as they will take no chances.

Brora Rangers Vs COVE RANGERS

20/01/24- 3:00pm

A ‘Rangers’ derby is set to take place in the most northern fixture of the weekend, as Cove Rangers are set to travel over the Kessock Bridge and to Dudgeon Park. Brora are no strangers to an upset, beating Hearts 2-1 in the 2020/21 edition of the cup. The past decade has been immensely positive for The Cattachs, winning the Highland League multiple times and establishing numerous records. They came painstakingly close to the professional leagues in 2015, missing out after a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Montrose. This weekend is another chance for Brora to remind Scotland of their cup pedigree and ambitions.

Cove Rangers will be equally confident in placing themselves in the hat for the 5th round, after a successful first half to the season. They occupy 3rd spot in League 1, and will hope to return to the championship after a disappointing relegation last season. Striker Rumarn Burrell has lit up the Balmoral Stadium this season, with 17 goals in 21 league matches, securing two consecutive player of the month awards.

FORFAR ATHLETIC Vs Hibernian

20/01/24- 3:00pm

Forfar have been awarded a lucrative home tie against premiership side Hibernian after away wins at Huntly and Tranent Juniors in the previous rounds. The Loons have had a poor season so far, with 20 points in 20 games. They look destined to finish at the lower end of the table by May, so will be desperate to make this season memorable with a result against the Hibs.

After a catastrophic away loss to Andorran Side Inter Club d’Escaldes in the Europa Conference League first round, Hibs have had a decent season so far, reaching Hampden in the semi-final of the League Cup and sitting mid-table. Nick Montgomery appears to have steadied the unsettled ship that Lee Johnson left behind, and will be looking once again to finish the season in the European places. They will be looking for their first trophy since 2016, when the then-championship side lifted the Scottish Cup. Expect a large Hibs support to travel up to Station Park, as they look to progress to the last 16.

Celtic Vs BUCKIE THISTLE

21/01/24- 4:00pm (Live on Viaplay)

A first ever competitive clash of green and white hoops will happen at Celtic Park on Sunday, as The Jags travel down to Glasgow for their glamorous and financially boosting cup tie. A staggering 46 places split the champions of Scotland and the Highland League side- the biggest gap in this week’s action. It is often said that Celtic donated strips to the Moray side in the early 1900s, however this has been reported as a myth by club historians. Anything less than an emphatic home victory would frustrate Celtic fans, as Brendan Rodgers has endured a tough start to his second spell at the club. Despite being top of the table, a poor Champions League campaign and consecutive domestic losses for the first time in a decade leaves work to do for the Glasgow side.

Buckie have played just 14 league games this season, with weather based postponements frequent in the Highland League. They came agonising close to the title last season- about 10 minutes, before Brechin City scored to take the league. Once Buckie are able to play their rescheduled games, expect them to be close to the too again. Regardless of what happens on Sunday, Buckie will head home proud of their achievement and grateful for the TV revenue.