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Last year also saw the Reds paired against the Anglo-Gers at this point in the CIS Cup, and a simple 3-0 win ensued. It must have been simple - even Steven Craig scored. He may well get the opportunity to again tonight, as the injury problems that have blighted the Dons' start to the season continue to take one step forward and two steps back.
Richie Byrne is finally fit again after picking up an injury pre-season, but as one defender comes in, another two drop out. Russell Anderson picked up a vicious cut during the battle against the Eastern European Army at Tynecastle on Saturday, and will not play tonight.
The captain, who has just been named in the Scotland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, will be joined on the sidelines by Andrew Considine, who also picked up an injury against the brutal Maroons. Forwards Jamie Smith and Steve Lovell are also doubts after picking up knocks at the weekend. Long-term injury victims Michael Hart and Darren Mackie are definitely out.
Hopefully these are serious injury problems and not an excuse to rest players against notionally weaker opposition. Firstly, we are not even a month into the season, so there should be no need for professional footballers to have a rest. Secondly, it would be a bad idea to underestimate lower-league opposition and end up with egg on our faces.
Jimmy Calderwood seems to be aware of the latter, as he told the Press & Journal: "They are a good, footballing team. No matter who we are playing, we are not good enough to think we can take things easily. It is a cup tie and we cannot ask for any more than to be at home.
"I hope the players are as angry and disappointed as I am with what happened at Hearts on Saturday. The players know themselves how good they can be, but it is frustrating with the number of injuries we have had. We want to get a little run going and winning this match and then against Falkirk in the league would put us in the top six before the international break."
Although there are Champions League qualifying matches being played tonight, including a Liverpool game where Dons target Florent Sinama-Pongolle should get a run-out, it is hoped that there will be a reasonable crowd for tonight's game at Pittodrie. Reflecting the potential for a low crowd, confirmed by the equivelant fixture drawing less than 5000 last season, ticket prices for the match are only £12 and £8 concession for any part of the stadium, with season ticket holders paying only £10 and £6 if they buy tickets from the ticket office before kick-off.
The match has a 7:45pm kick off.