Hibernian vs Aberdeen
22 December 1945hrs
Football – Scotland – Premiership
Pick Draw
Bookmaker Betway
Odds: 11/5 odds taken 2000 GMT, Tuesday 21 December
Shaun Maloney takes charge of Hibs for the first time as they prepare to face an Aberdeen side who sit directly above them in the Scottish Premiership.
Table of Contents
Hibernian Preview – Will Hibs have enough to ensure Maloney gets off to a winning start?
Maloney will be in the dugout for his first time at Easter Road on Wednesday as his new club look to bounce back from the disappointment of losing in the League Cup final to Celtic on Sunday. With the Scottish Government’s announcement that games beyond the 26th of December will be played in front of minimal crowds it is also likely to be the only time in the short to medium term future where the home supporters will be able to see the new manager.
And it is a big game in the context of their season as a win would propel Hibs back into the top six for the first time in months as they look to win consecutive matches in the league since August.
Despite losing on Sunday and being second best for much of the game there were some encouraging signs for the new man in charge. Hibs created good chances when down 2-1 and showed a lot of commitment and desire, something which has not been all that apparent in recent weeks.
Their last home game (against Dundee) was the first win in five league games at Easter Road. Three successive defeats against Dundee United, Celtic and Rangers where they scored just one goal is indicative of their struggles in recent times. Before that they were unbeaten in their first four home games of the season, winning three of them.
Aberdeen Preview – Can Dons continue recent improvement and record rare away win?
Aberdeen will be familiar with their opponent’s struggles as they experienced similar earlier in the campaign. The Dons went seven league games without a win and it has been a long road back to form for Stephen Glass and his players. There has been improvement of late but Glass will be well aware that there is still a need for greater consistency.
Aberdeen are looking for a fourth win in a row having beaten Livingston, St Mirren and St Johnstone. That has seen them move above Hibs in the table, creeping into the top six.
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A win here would put them into fourth place and five behind Hearts. That would be a significant difference to what the situation looked like even a month ago and would set them up for a hectic period which sees them face Dundee, Rangers and Ross County between now and the scheduled winter break.
It has been their away from which has been the biggest issue. The win in Perth – which was achieved in somewhat controversial circumstances – is the only win in eight away league games and their first since the opening day of the season. They have lost five of the other seven which shows how fragile they are on their travels.
Hibernian vs Aberdeen Betting Advice
It is another uncertain time in Scottish football so this will be a welcome distraction for both clubs, and particularly Hibs who are coming off the back of a defeat and starting a new era under Shaun Maloney. Aberdeen have put together three league wins for the first time this season so they will be hopeful of getting a positive result here.
For those hoping for goals then recent trends suggest this will not be the game for you. The last five have all went under 2.5 goals with just a total of seven goals.
Key Facts – Hibernian vs Aberdeen Betting Tip
- Hibs have won just one of their last five home games
- Aberdeen have managed only two away wins all season (from nine games)
- The last five meetings between the teams have contained just seven goals
There’s only one point between these teams and that is probably a good guide as to what to expect in this one. With games coming thick and fast just now both managers may just want to avoid defeat and move on to the next one. Back the draw.
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