Preview: Aberdeen vs. Hibernian - prediction, team news, lineups

After 10 games in a row without a victory, Aberdeen will once again be searching for three points this weekend when they host Hibernian at the Pittodrie Stadium.

21 Oct 2021, 16:19 · Sports Mole

The Hibees are also desperate to get back to winning ways on Saturday after consecutive defeats have seen them slip down to fifth place in the table.

Match preview

Aberdeen have been struggling as of late, despite starting the Scottish Premiership campaign with a bang by winning their first two games of the season.

Since that point, the club have not won a match in the league and they have slowly slipped down towards the foot of the table, currently sitting just two points above the relegation zone.

Their previous outing took place against Dundee, who had not earned a victory until that point, yet the Dons were unable to get out of their poor form in that fixture either.

The Dark Blues defeated Aberdeen 2-1 with goals from Leigh Griffiths and Luke McCowan, as a strike from Christian Ramirez proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal for his team.

No team in the league is on a worse run right now across the last five games than Stephen Glass's squad, and that is something that they will be desperate to put right before it is too late.

However, Hibernian are also suffering a disappointing spell at the moment as they have suffered consecutive defeats, which have been their first losses of the season.

The Hibees were beaten by Rangers before the international break, but they were unable to respond last weekend when they hosted Dundee United.

Despite dominating the game in terms of possession, it was Tam Courts who saw his team walk away with three points after a confident 3-0 victory, which was only the second time Hibernian have not scored in a game this season.

However, they have not been defensively solid this season, conceding 11 goals in the opening nine fixtures, which might just give Aberdeen some hope that they can earn a result.

Aberdeen Scottish Premiership form:

Aberdeen form (all competitions):

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

Hibernian form (all competitions):

Team News

Glass continued to put his faith in Gary Woods on Saturday, with number one goalkeeper Joe Lewis being dropped to the bench for the second game in a row.

Andrew Considine was also out of action due to a knee problem, and this led to an opportunity for David Bates and Declan Gallagher to feature as the two central defenders.

However, Aberdeen currently have a fully-fit squad, with Glass insisting that everybody should be available at the weekend, which will provide him with plenty of options.

Ryan Porteous will once again be suspended for Hibernian, therefore Jack Ross will likely play the same back four that featured against Dundee United.

Both Kyle Magennis and Paul McGinn are also expected to be unavailable after missing the recent defeat due to injuries, while Christian Doidge is not expected back until November.

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:
Woods; Ramsay, Considine, Gallagher, McKenzie; Ojo, Brown, Ferguson; Hayes, Ramirez, Hedges

Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Macey; Cadden, Wood, Hanlon, Doig; Doyle-Hayes, Newell; Boyle, Allan, Murphy; Nisbet

We say: Aberdeen 2-1 Hibernian

Neither team heads into this fixture in great form, which will likely provide both with some belief that they can return to winning ways on Saturday.

However, Hibernian certainly have the stronger squad and if they are hoping to push back into the title race, then a quick response is needed here.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Away:data

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