League Leader Hearts welcome struggling Aberdeen to Tynecastle
Hearts meet Aberdeen in the Capital tomorrow as Hearts look to extend their gap at the top with Aberdeen looking to end their winless run at Tynecastle. Aberdeen were the first side to hand out defeat to Hearts this campaign as a Topi Keskinen strike from the edge of the box gave Aberdeen a huge 1-0 win back in November which saw Hearts defeated for the first time in this season. The two sides also met on opening day at Tynecastle where Hearts began there sensational season with a 2-0 win with a Shinnie own-goal and Stuart Findlay header sealing the win for the Jambos. Last time out for the hosts, they defeated Falkirk narrowly with a 1-0 win on home soil against Falkirk. Islam Chesnokov grabbed his first goal in maroon just before the half-time interval helping Hearts move further away from both Celtic and Rangers who both dropped points on Sunday against Hibernian and Livingston respectfully. Aberdeen were in action on Tuesday in their re-arranged game with Dundee United at Tannadice as it ended up being a dull goalless draw in the City of Discovery. The pitch didn’t help neither teams in any way with recent rainfall in the city but a strong second half display by the Dons gave them some positives but still unable to find the back of the net which saw Aberdeen remain 8th behind Dundee United. Hearts have netted on seven occasions in their last five whereas Aberdeen have scored four in their last five. Hearts have only been defeated at home once this campaign which was their Scottish Cup exit to Falkirk following a penalty shootout defeat. Aberdeen have failed to win on their travels since the start of December in a 3-1 win at Dens Park with no away goal since just before Christmas as Bilalovic netted away to Celtic. Hearts have had issues in terms of injuries as both Shankland and Devlin are set to remain out. Craig Gordon will also miss out with a shoulder injury, Oisin McEntee misses also with a shoulder injury and Stuart Findlay looks likely to miss out after an injury picked up against Falkirk. Nieuwenhof, Ageu and Kingsley also miss out. For Aberdeen, they have issues at the back with both Gyamfi, Tobers and Knoester all out with McIntyre joining that list after going off at Tannadice. Nick Suman also remains out through injury.
Lyall Cameron believes Hearts are “beatable” ahead of Saturday’s showdown
Aberdeen man Lyall Cameron fully believes Aberdeen can go to Tynecastle and pick up points against the league leaders. The on-loan Rangers man feels his side can go to Gorgie and cause a shock and beat Hearts who sit top of the league and ending Aberdeen’s winless record which goes all the way back to 2017. Current Hearts boss, Derek McInnes was the last Aberdeen boss to secure victory at Tynecastle where McInnes defeated his current side 2-1 on the 7th of May, 2017. Aberdeen look likely to be involved in the bottom-six this season following their goalless draw in the City of Discovery on Tuesday evening at Tannadice. Lyall Cameron said: “We definitely need a win. We can win any game in this league. It has been shown this year with teams dropping points everywhere. “We just need to go there and play our own game. Play as well as possible and hopefully we get the three points.” Hearts have only suffered defeat on home soil once this season which came back in the Scottish Cup with Falkirk ending Scottish Cup dreams for the Jambos but has proven to be a very difficult venue for visiting sides. Cameron added: “We know the atmosphere at Tynecastle is going to be magnificent,” he insisted. “Their fans are really behind them. “We just need to go there, do our best, match their energy and give it back to them. We have players in our dressing room who can hurt them and players coming back who are good footballers, so we are looking forward to it.” This has been a clash where it has been the home side who appear to come away with all three points in. Aberdeen have failed to win away ever since December in a 3-1 win at Dens Park with there last away goal coming just before Christmas where Bilalovic netted late on in a 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park. As well as that, Aberdeen have suffered major blows at the backline with no Tobers or Knoester and now McIntyre adding to the list. He said: “That is the benchmark now. We have shown we can defend ugly and play ugly. We have players in the team who want to play football, myself included. “Every time I got the ball at Tannadice, I had to bang it in the channel. It is not what I want to be doing, but that was what the game was like on Wednesday. Hopefully, Saturday will be better and the travelling fans will get a better watch than that.” A win on Saturday may boost any remaining top-six hopes although those hopes already look to be deflated. Hearts will certainly be needing the win ahead of the Old Firm meeting on Sunday as they look to extend the gap but will need to deal with Aberdeen first.
Dundee defeat “Really frustrating” as Dons’ slump to a 3-2 defeat
It was a frustrating afternoon as Dundee picked up their first win at Pittodrie since 15th of May, 2004 in a 3-2 victory. Aberdeen started off brightly where it took just 13 minutes for Aberdeen to fire ahead as Kevin Nisbet had his effort in the back of the net as Aberdeen looked as they could’ve had more. Aberdeen were reduced to 10 just before the break as Liam Morrison denied Dundee a goal-scoring opportunity as Leven quotes: “We stopped playing football, they equalise and then there’s the red card. We need to be better at dealing with a long ball. But he’s cut across him, I’m not sure what he can do and I don’t know why we’re punished twice. But we’ve got to take it on the chin.” Leven added: “We’ve got to take out chances and go two or three-nil up. But we get a wee bit nervy and stop doing what we did early on. That’s two red cards in two games – it’s not good enough.” Dundee were then awarded a penalty following the foul where Simon Murray made no mistake and slotted the Dees’ a way back into the match. Right before the break, Joel Cotterill had Dundee ahead on the brink of half-time to send the away end into mayhem after an attempt from very close range and made no mistake and gave Dundee the lead going into the break. Dundee had the better first half start but Kevin Nisbet midway through the second 45 had a free-kick from distance and whipped it high into the top left-hand corner to level up the game. Dundee found themselves in front once again as an absolute stunner by Ethan Hamilton from far out right into the top right-hand corner which was near impossible to stop with the amount of power on the strike which smacked the bar and rattled the back of the net to give the Dees’ a famous win in Aberdeen. Leven said: “I thought at times we were good in the second half. We get it back to 2-2 and it’s got to be a point in that game. We turn the ball over too easy, we’ve got to go up the line and gain territory. But we gave it away and don’t defend the shot.”
Aberdeen 2-0 Motherwell: Dons Progress to Quarters after 3 Red Cards
Aberdeen booked their place in the Scottish Cup quarter‑finals with a hard‑fought win over Motherwell in a chaotic Pittodrie encounter. The match, which featured three red cards, saw Peter Leven’s side keep their season alive with a goal in each half. Kevin Nisbet opened the scoring with a superb free kick from the left edge of the box. Moments earlier, Oscar Priestman’s costly slip brought down Lyall Cameron, prompting referee John Beaton to show the first red card inside just three minutes. Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Aberdeen grew in confidence, but they too were reduced to ten men when Dennis Geiger was dismissed for a high challenge on Lukas Fadinger. Motherwell’s night worsened when John Beaton again intervened, sending off Liam Gordon for tripping the onrushing Toyosi Olusanya. Initially shown a yellow card, the offence was upgraded to red following a VAR review, leaving the visitors with nine men. Aberdeen ultimately sealed the result shortly after the hour mark. Captain Graeme Shinnie calmed the Pittodrie nerves with a precise left‑footed strike from 25 yards, drilling the ball into the bottom corner. Leven’s side now turn their attention back to Premiership action against Dundee on Saturday, while Motherwell prepare for their trip to Paisley to face St Mirren. Aberdeen: Bratveit, Devlin, Milne, McIntyre, Frame, Shinnie, Geiger, Cameron (Nilsen 85′) Milanovic (Olusanya 46′) Keskinen (Palaversa 46′) Nisbet (Lazetic 80′) Motherwell: Connelly, Sparrow (Slattery 46′) McGinn, Gordon, O’Donnell, Priestman, Fadinger (Longelo 61′) Just (Said 68′)Charles-Cook (Nicholson 80′) Maswanhise, Bjorgolfsson (Watt 61′)
Hibernian 2-0 St Mirren: Clinical Hibs See Off Struggling St Mirren
Hibs bounce back from Derby defeat as they see off St Mirren 2-0 in the capital with goals by Edling and Suto ensured the Hibees left with all three points. The opening 10, both sides had small sights of goal but no real chance for either side. On 12 minutes, Cadden whipped a ball into the centre of the box and on loan Tottenham man, Dane Scarlett got his head onto it but was right at George which was a simple catch in the end. An early free kick a few minutes on from Cadden fell to new signing Elding but the young forward wasn’t aware until late on and failed to connect with the ball as George was there to collect. Chaiwa had a chance from the edge of the box which looked to be a simple save by George spilled the ball with the rebound not testing the St Mirren keeper as the ball was high and wide. Another Hibs chance once again, Scarlett striding towards the box, unleashing an effort from distance firing wide. Rocky in the box with a huge chance as he turned and miskicked the ball and any real chance fizzled out as the clash remains goalless. A short corner to Barlasser who whipped in the perfect cross which found Owen Elding who headed the ball which smashed past Shamal George as the Hibees took the lead late first half. Into the second half, Hibs had a massive chance to double the advantage as Nicky Cadden with a ball into the back post where Passlack vollyed the ball off the inside of the post to deny a second for the Edinburgh side. An error at the back by Hibs let substitute Mandron through on goal with his strike being denied brilliantly by Sallinger in goal to deny an equaliser. Great work by Cadden to glide past both Phillips and McMenamin where he put the box across goal then there was the substitute Suto there to tap it in to give Hibs the two goal advantage. Idowu with an ambitious run fron the centre area towards the box which he took on a strike from distanced but well blocked to stop any route back into the game. A better second half by the Paisley side but still unable to find a way back into the game and when Hibs had their chances, they took them well as the full-time whistle goes. Hibernian: Sallinger )6), O’Hora (7), Chaiwa (7), Iredale, McGrath (7), Cadden (7), Barlasser (8), Passlack (7), Bushiri (7), Scarlett (6), Elding (8). Substitutes: Boyle (6), Suto 97), Andrews (7), Campbell 96). St Mirren: George (5), King (6), Devaney (6), McMenenamin (5), Gogic (6), Nlundulu (6), Young (6), Freckleton (6), Fraser (6), John (6), Phillips (5). Substitutes: Mandron (6), Idowu (6), Calvin (6), O’Hara (6), Richardson (6).
Maswanhise gives “watch out for us” message to the top three
Maswanhise is ready for a title challenge as the winger warns “watch out for us” to all Hearts, Celtic and Rangers. Following Motherwell’s 1-1 draw with Rangers last night, Maswanhise fully believes Motherwell can go in and challenge for the title this season and fancies their chances although the Lanarkshire side sit 13 points off of league leaders Heart Of Midlothian. Maswanhise netted on four occasions in five outings for the Steelmen in January and currently sits as the top goal scorer on 13 for the season with Benjamin Nygren slowly creeping up on the Motherwell starman. Many of clubs such as Anderlecht, Rangers and Celtic were all showing interest in January but the Fir Park outfit did all they could to keep hold of Maswanhise. Maswanhise told Sky Sports: “You’ve seen it yesterday with one man down, every man on that pitch for Motherwell, including myself, we fought really hard to get the point that we deserved. “We’ve been doing the same style of play the whole season [and] you’re starting to see more results now. You’re starting to see more success, we’re getting our plaudits. It has been good. “A lot of people, a lot of players want to say it’s a three-horse race right now, but we’re still behind it. “I genuinely think we can nick a few points and be in and around it. So, just watch out for us and we should crack on.” It’s been an excellent year for Maswanhise after being called up to represent Zimbabwe at AFCOM as well as grabbing a goal on International duty. Speaking on his speculation, he said: “Honestly, I knew there was going to be speculation from clubs in and around the country – but I had my head down. “You’ve just got to play football. Let the football do the talking, everyone’s heard that saying. I’ve done that really well in January, and I’ve just got to carry on.” Mawanhise and Motherwell have a big game coming on Sunday where they host a well rested Aberdeen side who haven’t played in over 2 weeks due to three back-to-back postponements. The Steelmen also have a chance of continuing their cup run as Aberdeen await on Wednesday night at Pittodrie which would round up a perfect season for Maswanhise.
Atletico Madrid 4-0 Barcelona: Clinical Atletico Punish Barcelona in the Capital
A disaster of a night in Madrid for Barcelona as an early own goal by Garcia as well as goals by Griezmann, Lookman and Alvarez gave the hosts a 4-0 victory and made it a real mountain to climb in the second leg. Brilliant play by the hosts as Griezmann with a brilliant touch to put the ball through into Simeone in which Garcia does just as well but stops the save with his leg to deny an early opener. Atletico were ahead after 6 minutes as Barcelona with a horror mistake at the back following a pass back to Garcia, he misses the pass completely as he rushed back trying to keep the ball from going in but was all too late as the ball had crossed the line before managing to scoop the ball out. Lookman almost fed in Alvarez, but Garcia came out at the perfect time to claim to and prevent any further trouble. Griezmann doubled the advantage after 14 minutes which all came from a disaster of a corner by Olmo. Musso smashed the ball up the park to Lookman who put the ball into Alvarez who crossed the ball onto the right flank. The ball was then fed to Griezmann who calmly squeezed it into the bottom left-hand corner to give the hosts a two-goal lead. Following a corner, a ball whipped into the box which soon fell to Lopez where his attempt smacked the bar so no way back into the tie so far for the visitors. Madrid has a chance to make it three as Llorente on the left-hand side, crossed the ball onto the edge of the box as Griezmann had a chance but well stopped. Moments later, Simeone with a darting run squaring the ball to Alvarez but outstanding block by Kounde to put it out for a corner. Barcelona had a dangerous free kick from just outside the box where Olmo took on the strike which was a poor effort and was blocked by the Atletico Madrid wall. Atletico continued to test Barcelona as Simeone with a pacy run who squared it to Griezmann, but his strike was a bit too high and was fired into the stands. Just after the half-hour mark, Barcelona were left with a mountain to climb as once again, Simeone with a run on the right hand side who squared the ball to Alvarez who then squared the ball to Lookman on the left-hand side who struck the ball low into the bottom right hand corner to go three ahead. Lopez just before the break found himself 1 v 1 with Musso but it was a wimple stop for the Atletico keeper as it sums up the first 45 for Barca. Just before half-time, Atletico made it four as once again Simeone running down the wing, whipped the ball into Lookman who laid the ball to Alvarez who smashed the shot first time into the net to make it a big task for Barcelona. Into the second 45, Barcelona had a great chance with a free kick from the edge of the box where Yamal with a simple pass to Lopez who took the shot on, it was blocked but fell right to Cubari who calmly struck it into the net to get Barca back into the tie but to Barcelona’s surprise the goal was chopped off following a lengthy VAR check. It’s been a much improved second half by Barcelona spending a lot more on the ball but needing to be a lot more clinical if they are to get back into this game despite it looking like an uphill battle for the visitors. Yamal looked to be been taken down after 70 minutes as big claims came from the Barcelona players but the referee was having none of it and continued play. Atletico had another really good chance to make it five with a free kick outside the box but well stopped by the wall. Eric Garcia found himself sent off following a last man challenge which denied the hosts a brilliant chance to go through and make it five but Barcelona are having to play the final stages on 10-men which surely killed any chance of getting back into the match. Ferran Torres was so close to getting one back in added time as a cross came flying in and the former Manchester City fan headed the ball just wide of goal which really summed up their evening in the capital. Atlético Madrid: Musso (7), Molina (7), Pubill (7), Hancko (8), Ruggeri (7), Simeone (8), Llorente (8), Koke (7), Lookman (9), Alvarez (8), Griezmann (8). Substitutes: Baena (7), Sorloth (7), Almada (6), Le Normand (6). Barcelona: J. Garcia (4), Kounde (6), Cubarsi (6), E. Garcia (5), Balde (6), Casado (5), de Jong (6), López (7), Olmo (6), Torres (6), Yamal (6). Substitutes: Lewandowski (5), Cancelo (6), Araujo (6), Martin (6).
End Of Era: Mateta Braced For Summer Move
Crystal Palace star man Jean-Phillipe Mateta could have played his final game for the London side in their 3-1 defeat to Chelsea as a summer switch becomes a real possibility. Crystal Palace have came to realisation they may need to lower their asking price for Mateta to just £30million this summer with the striker now entering his final year at Selhurst Park which Palace may be forced into reducing the price tag to ensure he doesn’t depart for nothing. The Selhurst Park outfit already secured a replacement in the January window with Strand Larsen joining from relegation bound side Wolves as Manchester United are keeping tabs on the France International although Mateta is eyeing up a world cup spot on the plane with France although surgery may be required meaning a seat on the plane looks doubtful. Palace boss Oliver Glasner has issued an update which states his knee injury “not as bad as feared” which boosts a chance of a world cup call-up. Mateta hasn’t featured in a few weeks after picking up a knee injury against Chelsea which blocked a move to AC Milan in January for the 28-year-old after failing a medical in Italy. “I’m 100% convinced that JP will give his best when he wears the Eagles shirt again, and I think then he deserves the best support,” said the Palace boss. “I’m pretty sure our fans will support him in the best way, appreciating what he has done for Crystal Palace. “As long as a player is here, as long as a manager is here, as long as a staff member is here, then everybody can expect being 100% committed to Crystal Palace, and that is what JP (Jean-Phillipe Mateta) will show.” Mateta has spent six-years at Selhurst Park making 186 appearances in red and blue, netting 56 goals for Palace as a move away looks close.
Stenhousemuir 0-2 Falkirk (AET) – Two extra-time goals send Falkirk through into the last eight
Stenhousemuir welcome Falkirk in a local derby as both sides eye up a quarter-final spot in the Scottish Cup. Stenhousemuir knocked Championship Greenock Morton out after a convincing 4-0 victory to make it into this round whereas for the Bairns, they defeated high flying Hearts on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Tynecastle in the fourth round. An early corner for the visitors as Calvin Miller whips a ball in but Jamieson tips the ball away from any danger as the first chance is delt with well. Miller had a good chance after 12 minutes, a run towards the box where he fired a shot from distance which was just too high as Falkirk were unable to get ahead. Spencer with a ball over the defence into 19-year-old Broggio but it was by far an easy strike as his volley goes well over. A quiet but dominant first 20 by the Bairns with the Premiership side having a couple chances but failing to test Jamieson. For Stenny they have struggled to get the ball into the final third but other than that, haven’t started badly at all. Darren Jamieson to the rescue as first of all, a deflected strike right at the keeper well parried away which fell to Calvin Miller who took on a strike from inside the box which was brilliantly stopped once again in a quick fire double stop. Marsh soon after had a ball into the box which was met by Miller in which was a difficult chance and was smashed well into the stands. Stenny had their first chance as O’Reilly from distance decided to take one on but was just too wide of target as it went out for a goal-kick. Broggio had a cross into the box which found Marsh in the centre of the box which was struck goal bound but ended up being quite a simple stop for the Stenhousemuir number one. Stenny captain Buchanan was put into the book after 36 minutes as the defender looking to clear the ball as he did but dragged Marsh down with force in the afters which was very unneeded. Into the second half, Marsh had a ball into the back of the net but the flag was up and the goal was disallowed. 15 minutes into the second 45, Marsh again had a chance from distance but blazes over the bar. A Spencer strike from the edge of the box edges just past of goal which was the best chance of the second half as Falkirk come very close to firing ahead. Spencer had a major chance moments later, a free-kick from just outside the box but powerfully punched away by Jamieson. Ethan Ross had a chance of his own as the ball falls at his feet and cuts inside but his strike smashes wide of goal as Stenhousemuir continue to frustrate Falkirk. Calvin Miller with a ball into the box found Barney Stewart who headed it towards goal but tipped over calmly by the Stenny number one. Extra-time was required as Falkirk were unable to break down the Stenhousemuir defence throughout the game as the League One side force the Bairns’ into an additional half-hour. Into the additional period, the Falkirk pressure continued but just really struggled to test Jamieson in goal enough despite the dominance but the League One doing everything they can to defend their box. Adams was found in a tonne of space on the flank which was crossed into Wilson who passed it into Spencer who fired the shot wide in an effort he really has to be doing better in. Falkirk fired ahead just before half-time in extra-time as the ball landed to Spencer who took a couple touches and then smashed a nice clean strike which powerfully fired past Jamieson as the Premiership side finally find themselves ahead. Early into the second half in extra-time, Falkirk sealed up the win as a free-kick in from the goal scorer Spencer which found the head of Stewart who headed it into the net to seal a spot in the next round. The full-time whistle goes as two extra-time goals seal Falkirk’s place in the quarter-finals despite a strong showing by Stenhousemuir but no cup upset this evening at Ochilview Park. Stenhousemuir: D. Jamieson (6), Meechan (7), Graham (6), Buchanan (7), N. Jamieson (8), Bilham (6), McGill (6), O’Reilly (6), Whyte (6), Carrick (6), Aitken (6). Substitutes: Grant (6), Cameron (6), Ewan (5), Gray (6), Simpson (6). Falkirk: Bain (6), McCann (7), Adams (7), Neilson (6), Donaldson (6), Miller (7), Marsh (7), Tait (7), Spencer (9), Broggio (7), Graham (6). Substitutes: Stewart (8), Ross (8), Wilson (7), Nesbitt (6), Lissah (6), Allan (6).
Aberdeen vs Celtic – Match Preview
Aberdeen host the holders, Celtic in the Scottish Premiership tomorrow evening as Celtic hope to ramp up their title hopes as Aberdeen look to return to winning ways. Celtic have had the better of the meetings between the sides except from that Scottish Cup Final last campaign where Aberdeen took home the cup for the first time in 35 years making history at Hampden. In terms of league action, it hasn’t been quite the same as last time the two sides met was just before Christmas as Celtic defeated Aberdeen 3-1 at Parkhead marking Nancy’s first win in the Celtic dugout. Last meeting at Pittodrie came in game week two as Nygren and Hatate wrapped a 2-0 win in the Granite City. The last win for the Dons at Pittodrie against Celtic came back in 2016 as Jonny Hayes and Simon Church were on target for Aberdeen with Griffiths striking late as the Dons won 2-1. It’s been a pretty poor season for the Dons, sitting 7th with defeat possibly making Aberdeen drop to 8th should Dundee United defeat Hibernian. Aberdeen have only won twice in their last 10 which came against Raith Rovers and Livingston. Aberdeen are coming off of the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Kilmarnock earning Neil McCann his first victory as Killie boss. Aberdeen are in severe need of something tomorrow as Aberdeen sit 5 points behind 6th place Falkirk with a tough round of fixtures to come. Celtic haven’t had a great campaign themselves despite sitting second in the table. Celtic sit six points behind league leaders Hearts and are joint second with rivals Rangers making it even more important to pick up all three points in the North-East. Since Martin O’Neill returned for his second stint this season, Celtic are now unbeaten in their last seven outings with a most recent 2-0 win over Falkirk at Celtic Park. Celtic have been through three managers this season with Rodgers departing early on with O’Neill taking interim charge as Wilfried Nancy took over which went horribly wrong which as Martin O’Neill return until the end of the season. Celtic’s last defeat came back one month ago as Danny Rohl secured derby delight in a 3-1 win at Celtic. Aberdeen this window have added seven additions with loan signs of Lyall Cameron, Liam Morrison, Toyosi Olusanya who have already featured for Aberdeen as well as Per Kristian Bratveit, Afeez Aremu, Dennis Geiger and Tom McIntyre all hoping to make their debuts tomorrow. Celtic have added five players while spending £0. Julian Araujo came in a month ago with Cvancara joining on loan who has scored two in two already as well as loan signings Chukwubuike Adamu, Joel Mvuka and Benjamin Arthur with the trio looking for their Celtic debuts at Pittodrie. Aberdeen have netted seven in their last five with six of the goals coming in their 6-2 win 10 days ago. Topi Keskinen has had the most shots (0.8) per game for the Dons while Mitov is ranked 3rd for saves per game (3.3) despite his struggles this season. Lazetic is the top goal scorer for Peter Leven’s men with 4 goals after top goal scorer Jesper Karlsson’s loan spell ended. Celtic have netted 12 times in their last five and are ranked the third best on their travels this campaign while winning their last two matches against Aberdeen while Nygren who loves a goal against the Dons sits as the top goal scorer for the hoops netting 12 times this season.
