Hibernian Vs Aberdeen

Two teams currently experiencing vastly different runs of form will meet this Saturday afternoon in a crucial Scottish Premiership fixture. Hibernian, riding high on a fantastic streak of results, will host an Aberdeen side that has been mired in a lengthy winless run at Easter Road Stadium. 

Hibernian have been one of the league's most improved teams in recent weeks, going unbeaten in their last nine outings across all competitions. This dramatic turnaround in fortunes comes after a sluggish start to the season, where they struggled to string together consistent performances. The team's poor early form placed them in a precarious position in the standings, but their resurgence has seen them climb away from the relegation zone. Now sitting just outside the top six, Hibernian are in a strong position to continue their positive momentum, especially against an Aberdeen team that has yet to taste victory in their past 13 league matches.

Aberdeen's struggles, on the other hand, are well-documented. The team, once among the league's early frontrunners, has seen their season unravel dramatically. After a promising start under new manager Jimmy Thelin, the team now faces significant challenges and has seen a sharp decline in results. From being unbeaten in their first 16 fixtures, they now find themselves in a perilous position in the table, struggling to secure any form of consistency. With only a five-point buffer above the seventh spot, Aberdeen is desperate to snap their winless streak and secure a result in this crucial match to maintain their position in the upper half of the table.

Hibernian’s season, to date, has been defined by two starkly different phases. Early on, the team found themselves struggling, managing just five wins in their opening 21 matches across all competitions. This period saw Hibs collect only 12 points from their first 16 Scottish Premiership fixtures, which left them languishing at the bottom of the league table. Despite their struggles, a silver lining emerged as three of their early wins came in the Scottish League Cup group stage, but the heavy defeats and draws in the league were a serious concern.

However, the narrative surrounding Hibernian took a dramatic turn as they began to find their form in the latter stages of the season. A combination of tactical adjustments and better individual performances has allowed the team to go on a remarkable unbeaten run. Over their last nine games, Hibs have secured six wins and three draws, an impressive sequence that has seen them rise from the relegation zone to a respectable sixth place in the table. They are currently tied on points with seventh-placed St Mirren, but their superior goal difference places them just above their rivals. The team's recent resurgence has injected a renewed sense of optimism among the supporters, and there is growing confidence that they can maintain their position within the top six for the remainder of the season.

As they prepare for their upcoming clash with Aberdeen, Hibernian will be eager to build on their impressive form. They know that another victory will not only solidify their standing in the top six but also provide them with further momentum as they aim to challenge for even higher positions in the league. Against an Aberdeen team struggling for form, Hibs will see this as an excellent opportunity to extend their unbeaten streak and strengthen their position in the Scottish Premiership.

Aberdeen’s season, in contrast, has been marked by sharp contrasts. The Dons started the campaign in sensational fashion, under the guidance of new manager Jimmy Thelin, who was appointed in June 2024. Thelin’s appointment seemed to have a positive effect immediately, as Aberdeen went on an undefeated run for their first 16 fixtures, racking up 15 wins and a single draw. This strong start had many tipping the team for a challenge at the top of the table, and at one stage, Aberdeen were level on points with Celtic, the defending champions, at the summit.

However, the turning point came in their 17th match of the season, when Aberdeen suffered a crushing 6-0 defeat at the hands of Celtic in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals. While a heavy defeat to a club of Celtic's caliber may not have been entirely unexpected, the manner of the loss was deeply concerning. Rather than bouncing back from this setback, Aberdeen’s form continued to deteriorate. The team struggled to recover and find consistency in their league performances, leading to a dismal run of results. After this early unbeaten streak, they have now gone 13 games without a victory in the Scottish Premiership. Over this period, the Dons have managed to draw only four matches and have been defeated in nine, an alarming sequence that has caused their league position to slide.

As a result, Aberdeen now find themselves in fourth place, but their position is precarious. The team holds a slim five-point lead over St Mirren, who occupy the seventh spot. The upcoming match against Hibernian represents a critical opportunity for Aberdeen to snap their winless streak and secure a much-needed three points. With the top six spots highly contested, any further drop in form could see Aberdeen fall out of contention for European spots, a position they will be keen to avoid. Thelin and his squad will need to find a way to regain their earlier form if they are to avoid slipping further down the table and ensure they remain competitive for the remainder of the season.

Aberdeen's decline has been particularly stark given the promising start they made to the season. The team's early success under Thelin was driven by a combination of solid defensive play and a potent attacking unit. The goals of their key players were crucial, and their ability to grind out results was impressive. However, the loss of form and the failure to recover from setbacks have highlighted some of the weaknesses in the squad. The defense has been particularly vulnerable in recent weeks, with several poor results coming from lapses in concentration and poor individual performances at key moments. Additionally, the attacking play, which was once fluid and dynamic, has been stifled by a lack of creativity and cohesion in the final third.

The Dons’ struggles can also be attributed to injuries and suspensions that have hampered their squad depth. Thelin has not had the luxury of fielding a consistent lineup, with several key players sidelined for extended periods. This has led to a lack of continuity, and the team has struggled to find the right balance and rhythm. Additionally, the mental impact of a lengthy winless run cannot be underestimated, as the squad’s confidence continues to take a hit with each passing match.

Despite their recent woes, Aberdeen do possess quality within their ranks. They still have several players capable of making an impact, and if they can regain their focus and rediscover their earlier form, they can still be a formidable opponent for any team in the league. However, they must address the defensive fragility and the lack of creativity in attack if they are to improve their fortunes.

For Aberdeen, the match against Hibernian will be a crucial test of their character and resilience. They must find a way to halt their slide and prove that they still have the ability to compete at the top end of the table. Anything less than a positive result in this fixture would further deepen the crisis and increase the pressure on manager Thelin and his squad.

Ultimately, both teams will head into Saturday’s match with very different mindsets. Hibernian will be full of confidence, buoyed by their excellent run of form and the opportunity to secure a vital three points that will strengthen their position in the top half of the table. Meanwhile, Aberdeen will be desperate to end their winless streak and prove that they can recover from their recent slump. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both sides’ seasons, and it promises to be an intriguing encounter at Easter Road. 

As the game approaches, the stakes could not be higher for Aberdeen, who must find a way to overcome their struggles. For Hibernian, a continued positive run could propel them into an even more secure position as they look to challenge for a place in European competitions next season. Regardless of the outcome, the match represents a pivotal moment in both teams’ campaigns and will be watched closely by fans and pundits alike.