3 Aberdeen Viaplay Cup Final conundrums as Polvara, Duk and Sokler give Barry Robson the best kind of problem

They say a week is a long time in football, and that couldn't be more the case for Aberdeen.

Just nine days ago boos rang out Pittodrie following a turgid 1-0 home defeat to Kilmarnock, with many supporters demanding boss Barry Robson was axed. But things have quickly turned in the opposite direction after a late Premiership victory over Hearts then a memorable Europa Conference League Group G win against German giants Eintracht Frankfurt sparked belief. The Red Army are marching with pride ahead of Sunday's Viaplay Cup Final against Rangers.

The national stadium is calling as 19,500 Aberdeen fans descend towards Hampden Park praying they can receive the ultimate Christmas gift by lifting a trophy for the first time since defeating Inverness Caledonian Thistle on penalties almost a decade ago. Rangers will prove a stern test having racked up a 13-game unbeaten run themselves since Philippe Clement's arrival in the Ibrox hot seat.

Aberdeen achieved what their Cup Final opponents couldn't do 18 months ago by beating Frankfurt, despite making eight changes to their starting XI. Many fringe players grasped their opportunity and Record Sport looks at the key decisions Robson has to make ahead of Sunday's Hampden showdown.

"Dante Polvara has got to start the final..." was a phrase used by many Aberdeen punters following the full-time whistle on Thursday. The USA star returned from a loan at Charleston Battery fully charged with a point to prove and has shown that he can be more than useful in the Dons midfield.

Polvara kept 2014 World Cup winner Mario Götze in his back pocket and is maturing with every game. He will have to battle it up out captain Graeme Shinnie, Leighton Clarkson, Jamie McGrath and Connor Barron for a