Aberdeen vs Hibernian

Aberdeen and Hibernian are set to rekindle their fierce rivalry as the race to claim the unofficial title of 'best of the rest' in the Scottish Premiership continues when the two clubs meet at Pittodrie Stadium on Saturday. This matchup promises to be pivotal, as both sides are locked in a tight contest for supremacy outside the Old Firm, with the added incentive of potential European qualification providing even more significance to this clash.

Currently sitting fifth in the Scottish Premiership standings, Aberdeen have accumulated a total of 50 points over the course of their league campaign. Their opponents, Hibernian, occupy third place in the table, just three points ahead on 53. With such a narrow gap separating the teams, this encounter could prove decisive in determining who finishes in the upper echelons of the league, with continental competition hanging in the balance.

Aberdeen’s 2024-25 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, marked by dramatic highs and troubling lows before a late resurgence reinvigorated their campaign. Under the stewardship of new manager Jimmy Thelin, the Dons began the season in scintillating fashion, displaying a level of dominance and consistency that led many to believe they could pose a legitimate challenge to the likes of Celtic and Rangers. During this early stage, Aberdeen appeared nearly invincible, suffering just a single defeat in their first 18 league matches. In that impressive run, they secured 16 victories and recorded one draw, catapulting them into joint top position alongside Celtic and sparking excitement among the club’s passionate supporters.

However, as is often the case in football, momentum can be a fragile commodity. Following their remarkable start, Aberdeen’s fortunes took a dramatic turn for the worse. What followed was a 14-game winless streak in the Premiership, during which the team looked unrecognisable compared to the side that had started the season so brightly. Their form collapsed in dramatic fashion, and questions began to be raised about their tactical approach, mental resilience, and squad depth. This dismal sequence saw Aberdeen slide down the league standings, dropping from joint leaders to fourth place, and even flirting with the possibility of falling out of the top six entirely—a prospect that would have been unthinkable only months earlier.

Despite this alarming dip, Aberdeen eventually managed to arrest their slide. As the regular season neared its conclusion, the Dons found a way to rediscover their rhythm and steadiness, finishing the campaign on a strong note. In their final eight matches of the regular season, they collected four victories, earned three draws, and suffered just one defeat, a run that propelled them to a respectable fifth place on 50 points. Although they fell short of rejoining the top three, this revival offered a glimmer of hope for the club as they turned their attention to the all-important post-split fixtures.

The late-season resurgence has reinvigorated optimism around Pittodrie, particularly with the tantalising prospect of returning to European competition on the horizon. Aberdeen have not graced the group stage of a major European tournament since the 2007-08 season, when they featured in the UEFA Cup. Securing qualification for the UEFA Europa League would not only be a feather in the cap for manager Jimmy Thelin in his debut season at the helm, but it would also mark a significant milestone for a club that has spent years attempting to re-establish itself among the elite of Scottish football.

However, standing in their way are a Hibernian side who have emerged as one of the most in-form teams in Scotland during the latter half of the season. If Aberdeen’s campaign has been a tale of peaks and troughs, Hibernian’s has been a story of remarkable transformation. At one point, the Edinburgh-based outfit appeared destined for a forgettable campaign, languishing at the bottom of the table after 16 matchdays with a mere two wins and six draws to their name. Their position looked precarious, and the mood surrounding the club was understandably bleak, with whispers of managerial changes and potential relegation woes beginning to surface.

Then, almost out of nowhere, came one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent Premiership memory. Led by interim boss David Gray, who stepped in to steer the ship during a period of uncertainty, Hibernian embarked on an astonishing run that breathed new life into their season. Over the course of the next 17 league fixtures, Hibs remained undefeated, racking up 12 wins and five draws in a spell that catapulted them up the table and firmly into contention for European qualification. This purple patch not only salvaged their season but transformed them into one of the most feared sides in the division.

Now sitting third in the table with 53 points from 33 matches, Hibernian enter this weekend's showdown brimming with belief and momentum. Their extraordinary revival has turned them from basement dwellers into legitimate contenders for a Europa League berth, and their recent performances have highlighted the quality, discipline, and mental fortitude instilled by Gray. Their ability to remain unbeaten over such an extended period has captured the imagination of their supporters and the admiration of neutral observers alike.

When analysing the credentials of both sides heading into this clash, it's clear that form and confidence will play a pivotal role. Aberdeen, while finishing the regular season on a positive note, must contend with the fact that they’ve been unable to defeat Hibs in their previous meetings this term. That head-to-head record gives the visitors a psychological edge, as they will arrive at Pittodrie with a strong sense of self-assurance, knowing they have already managed to get the better of their opponents on more than one occasion.

Hibernian’s recent displays have also demonstrated their attacking verve and defensive solidity in equal measure. Their ability to strike a balance between resolute defending and incisive counter-attacking play has been central to their resurgence. Key players have stepped up at crucial times, and the team's cohesion and collective spirit have become hallmarks of their remarkable turnaround. David Gray's leadership has been particularly noteworthy; once a club icon as a player, he is now carving out a reputation as a shrewd tactician capable of getting the best out of his squad.

Aberdeen, meanwhile, must look to harness the energy and emotion of their home crowd if they are to reverse the trend and put one over their rivals. Pittodrie has often been a fortress for the Dons, and they will be hoping that familiar surroundings and passionate support can provide the inspiration needed to deliver a performance of quality and intensity. Manager Jimmy Thelin will be acutely aware of the stakes involved and will likely urge his players to approach the match with controlled aggression, tactical discipline, and a relentless desire to close the three-point gap.

A victory for Aberdeen would not only draw them level on points with Hibernian but could also see them leapfrog their visitors on goal difference or head-to-head record, depending on results elsewhere. More importantly, it would significantly boost their chances of securing a Europa League qualification spot—a target that seemed improbable during the depths of their midseason collapse. For a club with a rich European history and aspirations of returning to the continental stage, the importance of this match cannot be overstated.

Conversely, a win for Hibernian would solidify their grip on third place and potentially allow them to create some breathing space over their pursuers. Such an outcome would be a fitting reward for their incredible second-half revival and would serve as a testament to the character and resilience that has come to define their campaign. With just a handful of matches remaining in the season, every point is precious, and every result carries significant weight in the race for European spots.

As the Scottish Premiership season enters its dramatic final chapter, all eyes will be on Pittodrie this weekend. Two proud clubs, each with their own storylines and motivations, are set to collide in a fixture that promises passion, drama, and high-stakes football. Aberdeen will look to continue their upward trajectory and reassert themselves among Scotland’s elite, while Hibernian will aim to keep their momentum alive and edge closer to a return to European football.

The narrative surrounding this clash is one of redemption, resilience, and revival. For Aberdeen, it’s about proving that their early-season brilliance was no fluke and that they possess the character to overcome adversity. For Hibernian, it’s about completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Scottish football history and finishing the job they began when they clawed their way off the foot of the table.

When the two sides step onto the pitch at Pittodrie, they will do so with pride, ambition, and the knowledge that a place in Europe next season could well hinge on the outcome. Fans can expect a fiercely contested affair filled with intensity and emotion as two rejuvenated sides battle it out for supremacy and the right to be called the best of the rest.