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

The hosts are attempting to crack the top four with a victory, meanwhile, the Dons will be hoping to avoid slipping into the relegation zone this weekend.

Match preview

Hibernian have enjoyed a three-match run without a loss heading into this weekend which has allowed them to climb up the league table into fifth.

With only two points between them and Hearts, there is a chance that the Hibees will be able to crack the top four if they continue their recent form and secure another three points.

While that will rely upon the Jambos dropping points themselves, the need to keep the pressure on is clear for Nick Montgomery's team.

Hibernian picked up a 2-1 win against Dundee during their most recent outing in what proved to be a rollercoaster of a game. They initially got into a comfortable 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Jai Tavares and Lewis Miller, but a red card for the latter invited the Dark Blues back into the game.

The Hibees were able to hang onto the lead though, despite an 85th-minute goal from Owen Beck leading to a lot of pressure in the final moments of the match.

Aberdeen will need to apply just as much pressure themselves if they wish to take any points from this meeting, and they showed plenty of fighting spirit in midweek against HJK Helsinki.

The Dons came from two goals behind to rescue a point in the Europa Conference League with goals from Angus MacDonald and Duk, and repeating that effort will be important this weekend.

Aberdeen currently sit just two points above the relegation zone right now, with a defeat on Sunday potentially seeing them sink to the foot of the table.

On the other hand, a win could move them into eighth, and that would help to alleviate some of the pressure that comes with being in a relegation battle.

Aberdeen have been a stronger team in away fixtures so far this season, and that is something that should provide some confidence in the team for this match, especially since they beat the Hibees in the Scottish League Cup semi-final when they last met.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

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Hibernian form (all competitions):

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D

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Aberdeen Scottish Premiership form:

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D

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D

Aberdeen form (all competitions):

W

W

D

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Team News

Hibernian will be without Miller this weekend due to the fact he is suspended, and that will force at least one change from the team that defeated Dundee.

The hosts also have a lengthy list of injury problems as Chris Cadden, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Harry McKirdy and Adam Le Fondre are all unavailable.

Habib Gueye was given the nod in midweek to start upfront alongside Duk, and a decision will have to be made about whether or not he retains his place or is swapped for Bojan Miovski.

MacDonald should also head into the match with confidence after scoring his first goal for the Dons, meanwhile Nicky Devlin will likely be brought back into the team after getting rested during their last outing.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Miller, Fish, Bushiri, Obita; Campbell, Levitt, Newell, Tavares; Boyle, Vente

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Roos; Devlin, Jensen, Rubezic, Gartenmann, McGarry; Shinnie, McGrath, Polvara; Duk, Sokler

We say: Hibernian 2-1 Aberdeen

Both teams are fighting for different purposes right now, and considering they each need points it should lead to a competitive encounter.

Hibernian should have enough to come through with three points, but Aberdeen will be sure to make them work for it.

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