Image source, SNSImage caption, Stephen Robinson (left), David Gray (centre) and Neil McCann (right) have endured challenging starts to the campaign
ByNick McPheatBBC Sport Scotland- Published14 minutes ago
What do Stephen Robinson, David Gray and Neil McCann have in common?
All three are under-fire Scottish Premiership managers whose teams feature in the last eight of the Premier Sports Cup - and each is in desperate need of a pressure-alleviating victory.
At least one will not be afforded that reprieve on Saturday as McCann's Kilmarnock and Robinson's Aberdeen face off at Rugby Park (17:45 BST) after Gray's Hibernian have visited third-tier Ross County (15:00).
Fan discontent risks intensifying around the three bosses amid challenging starts to the campaign, so could this weekend shape the futures of their managerial tenures?
With the opportunity to book a semi-final place at Hampden up for grabs, BBC Scotland looks at the potential significance of the League Cup quarter-finals.
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Can Robinson prevent Dons reign unravelling?
This time last year Robinson's St Mirren were working their way towards a stunning League Cup triumph.
The final win over Wilfried Nancy's Celtic in December confirmed to many that the Northern Irishman was ready to move up the Scottish football food chain.
That said, it took two months for Aberdeen to make their move for the former Motherwell boss - who also took the Fir Park side to the final of this competition in 2017 - bringing an end to a questionable recruitment process.
Despite his cup success, Robinson was not the first pick for much of the Dons support, arriving with form of two wins from his final 16 St Mirren matches. He might not even have been the Aberdeen board's first pick after Jimmy Thelin's exit.
The head coach joined with the Pittodrie club embroiled in a fight to avoid a relegation play-off and dragged them out of trouble with three victories in nine games.
However, this season has started with four points and two goals in five Premiership fixtures, turning up the heat from a growing number of disgruntled fans.
Robinson has attempted to hush the negative noise by referencing a huge turnover of players and that, in all competitions, Aberdeen have begun the campaign with six wins in 10 - five of which were against lower-league outfits in the League Cup groups.
A comment about travel being a contributor to the Dons' alarming performance level after last weekend's turgid goalless draw with Kilmarnock irked an already frustrated fanbase, who want fewer excuses and improved showings from a side lacking imagination and inspiration.
A 3-0 victory over Dundee in the previous round has been the standout display from Robinson's team so far this term. A repeat at Rugby Park on Saturday would ease the pressure somewhat and offer supporters a Hampden date to look forward to.
Struggling McCann eyes quarter-final 'catalyst'
Image source, SNSKilmarnock, along with Falkirk, are one of two clubs to have a worse Premiership record than Aberdeen this season.
The goalless stalemate McCann's men played out at Pittodrie last time out told the tale of two teams low on confidence, but the Ayrshire side were at least able to prevent their goals-conceded tally of 14 in five league games rising.
The way in which Kilmarnock ended last term under McCann had many predicting they would be fighting it out in the top half this campaign - their form from the former Scotland winger's arrival until the end of last season suggested as much.
Given the embryonic stage of 2026-27 we are at, that might yet still happen, although the early signs are not convincing.
Like most Premiership teams, upheaval within the playing squad was the theme of the summer window at Rugby Park, which has also swapped its artificial pitch for a grass surface.
McCann's side looked bright, dangerous and inventive on the ball last term, but they have so far failed to score in half of their 10 games this season, and they have been leaky at the back.
Three of the nine goals they have scored across all competitions came in their last-16 victory against rivals Ayr United in the previous round.
The Kilmarnock boss was all about positive vibes in his post-match interview following that 3-2 win, and he is also optimistic about Saturday's "hell for leather" tie.
Reaching just a second semi-final since they won this competition back in 2012 would give "everyone a lift", said McCann, and he believes it can act as a "catalyst to try and kick on".
Hibs' unpredictability piling pressure on Gray
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Figure caption,Frustration from Hibs fans 'justifiable' - Gray
Hibs were minutes away from a historic European result little over a fortnight ago before a late collapse against Gent denied them Conference League qualification.
They bounced back with an impressive showing at Dundee, then two bruising defeats to city rivals Hearts and Premiership newcomers St Johnstone have fired criticism right back at Gray, which he admits is "justifiable".
The past two weeks have been Hibs' past 12 months in microcosm. Unpredictable performances, fluctuating week-to-week. You never know what you are going to get.
Despite that, Gray was able to guide his team to Europe for the second year running last term, finishing two positions below the third-placed spot they achieved the season prior on much the same points.
Given the club's instability pre-Gray, there will be a 'careful what you wish for' argument when it comes to Hibs supporters seeking change, but a lot of those fans want to see a better product on the pitch.
Former Premiership defender Charlie Mulgrew suggested that the recent success of Motherwell and Falkirk could be responsible for an increased demand among other supports wanting to watch a more attractive style.
When you factor in that Hibs and Aberdeen in particular are working with far bigger budgets than those teams, the scrutiny only intensifies.
Fans of the Leith side have also had to watch their thriving Edinburgh neighbours go within minutes of a Premiership triumph and qualify for the Conference League.
Unfairly or not, this will at least play some part in the pressure that is being piled on Gray and those running the show at Easter Road.
The Hibs boss has accepted the criticism that has come his way from a fanbase that will always view him as an icon for his contribution as a player.
But as far as his managerial tenure is concerned, the margin for error is shrinking ahead of a weekend trip to a County side who have won 10 of their past 13 games.
The Staggies may be in League One these days but Hibs' record in Dingwall is not great, having failed to win on their last five visits.
