It’s 10th v 12th at Pittodrie, as Aberdeen host Hibs on Saturday evening.
Aberdeen have had a very inconsistent start to their league season, having won just three of their opening 11 fixtures under Stephen Robinson, who has been under fire from his supporters, with the Aberdeen fanbase far from happy, as many call for Robinson to be shown the exit door.
Stephen Robinson is adamant that his side must make sure they pick up a minimum of three points, as pressure continues to build on the former St Mirren boss. Aberdeen currently sit 10th in the league, just three points ahead of the visitors, as they look to extend that gap to six points this evening.
For the Hibees, they haven’t had the finest of campaigns either, with the visitors today currently sitting rock bottom, one point behind 11th-placed Kilmarnock. It’s a must-win for Marink Reedijk as he looks to get his first league win, with his side being given a confidence boost following their Scottish League Cup semi-final victory over Hearts, which sealed a place in the final, where they will meet Rangers.
Hibs have just two wins in the league so far, with both victories coming on the road at Ibrox and Dens Park. Their last league win came at the end of August in Dundee, with just one win in seven, which came last weekend at Hampden.
Last time out for Aberdeen, they were defeated in their League Cup semi-final against Rangers, a game in which Aberdeen lacked any creativity in the final third, with Rangers registering 33 shots. However, a late Ryan Nadiri strike fired Rangers into the final. In terms of league business, it was a 1-0 home defeat to high-flying Falkirk.
For Reedijk’s side, it was that derby-day victory in the League Cup semi-final as they edged past city rivals Hearts to reach the final. The Hibees fell behind very early on through Claudio Braga, but goals from Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath gave Hibs that ticket into the final. In the league, they took a point in Paisley in a game they would feel they could have won, but a late Jason Kerr own goal meant the points were shared at the SMISA Stadium.
These two sides last met midway through September at Easter Road, as the points were shared in the capital. A first-half Nisbet goal was cancelled out in the second half, as Martin Boyle dispatched a penalty which gave the hosts a much-needed point in a very even game. Last time at Pittodrie, Aberdeen ran out 2-0 winners, courtesy of a Nisbet double.
The Dons have netted five goals in their last five outings but haven’t scored in their last two, with no clean sheet in their last six fixtures. For Hibs, they have also scored five goals in their last five, likewise with the hosts, but have failed to register a clean sheet in seven matches.
Should Aberdeen come away with all three points, they could move up to seventh, leaving Hibs in the danger zone. However, a Hibs win could see the visitors potentially overtake Aberdeen into 10th, should they win by two or more goals. If Aberdeen suffer defeat and Kilmarnock take all three points at Celtic Park tomorrow, Aberdeen may find themselves at the bottom of the league.
