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

The hosts currently sit inside the relegation zone, with a victory having the potential to get them out of that, while the visitors are in third place at the moment.

Match preview

Aberdeen's difficult season continued in midweek when they fell short against Kilmarnock, losing their seventh match of the season as Killie provided last-minute heartbreak.

David Watson found the back of the net in the 92nd minute to win the game 1-0, which extended Abderdeen's run without a win to six games in all competitions.

The Dons have now lost half of their Scottish Premiership matches to this point, and home form has played a big factor in that considering they have only won once at Pittodrie Stadium in the league.

Barry Robson will need to start turning the tide soon to try and push Aberdeen out of the current situation, and just one victory could see them escape the relegation zone if other results go in their favour.

The Dons sit just a point behind both St Johnstone and Motherwell, and one weekend could change their fortunes, but they will need to improve their home form to make that happen.

Much like their opponents, Hearts were also defeated 1-0 on Wednesday night when they had a top-of-the-table clash against Rangers, which allowed the Gers to extend the gap between the two teams.

The Jambos now trail them by 11 points, which means that Steven Naismith's focus will likely go on ensuring they try to secure a stronger grip on third place.

It is tight in and around them right now as a defeat could lead to Hearts falling as low as sixth depending on other results, showcasing the need to create some consistent results.

That is not how Hearts have been away from home this season having won three times and lost four, but defensively they have been strong in fixtures on the road which they will want to keep up.

Hearts will take confidence from the fact that they defeated Aberdeen when they met earlier this season, picking up a 2-0 win which they would be happy to replicate.

Aberdeen Scottish Premiership form:

L

W

L

D

L

L

Aberdeen form (all competitions):

D

L

D

D

L

L

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

L

W

W

W

W

L

Hearts form (all competitions):

W

L

W

W

W

L

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Team News

Shayden Morris was brought back into the matchday squad in midweek following his hamstring injury, and he did get some minutes from the bench which could continue this weekend.

Angus MacDonald, Jonny Hayes and Duk were all brought into the starting lineup against Hearts, and considering how tight the game was they could all retain their places.

The visitors were also able to welcome back a previously injured player into the team in midweek as Nathaniel Atkinson came back in.

The Jambos were also boosted by Craig Gordon, Craig Halkett and Barrie McKay all returning to the squad as well, with the trio all pushing towards being fully fit to start again.

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Roos; Devlin, Gartenman, Rubezic, Jensen; Hayes McGrath, Clarkson, Shinnie; Duk, Solker

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Clark; Kingsley, Kent, Rowles; Atkinson, Grant, Baningime, Lowry, Cochrane; Shankland, Boyce

We say: Aberdeen 0-2 Hearts

Both teams head into this match on the back of defeats which means they will each be looking to get their seasons back on track.

Aberdeen have been struggling as of late, meanwhile Hearts walk into the game as favourites, and they should be strong enough to take all three points here.

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