When Rocky Bushiri netted an injury time equaliser at Easter Road at the end of November to rescue a point for Hibs against Aberdeen in a pulsating 3-3 draw, not one fan would have predicted the state of play heading into the top six split.
Hibs were bottom of the league with one win from 14 league games and 23 points behind Aberdeen.
Now they travel to Pittodrie on Saturday three points ahead and with a vastly superior goal difference.
Hibs have the opportunity to surely all but seal third place in their next two matches against the Dons and Dundee United who are both behind them.
If they avoid defeat, they will set a new post-war club record of 18 league matches unbeaten and they went into the split with a bloodless 4-0 win over Dundee.
Aberdeen should be on a high though after that last gasp drama in the Scottish Cup semi-final as they eventually got the better of a Hearts side who ended up with nine men.
Jimmy Thelin's side are unlikely to care about the industrial strength bleating that has come from Gorgie since then and will be desperate to finally inflict defeat on Hibs and draw level on points.
How the bookies view it: Dons get the layers' nod
Aberdeen are favourites here with home advantage at 6/5 with the capital side 15/8 and the draw 23/10 all with Boylesports.
Recent head to heads: Hibs have measure of Dons
Hibs have already beaten Aberdeen home and away this season as well as snatching that point at Easter Road in November.
They are also unbeaten in their last four visits up north.
Players to watch: Bowie not under pressure
Papa Gueye got Aberdeen up and running last week at Hampden when his header deflected off Hearts keeper Craig Gordon for the opening goal. He is 15/8 to score anytime with Boylesports.
Kieron Bowie grabbed a fine double against Dundee and the giant hitman is 5/1 to score anytime on Saturday with Boylesports.
Predicted line-ups
Aberdeen will face a sweat over defender Alfie Donnington who limped off at Hampden, You would expect the Dons not to use Jamie McGrath who has signed a pre-contract deal with Hibs but he is available.
Hibs will be without Joe Newell and Elie Youan.
Aberdeen: Mitov, Jensen, Knoester, Dorrington, Shinnie, Palaversa, Clarkson, Morris, Gueye, Keskinen, Nisbet.
Hibernian: Hibernian: Smith, C Cadden, Miller, Bushiri, Iredale, Obita, Triantis, Levitt, Hoilett, Boyle, Bowie.
Anything else catch the eye here?
Hibs are crying out to be backed here. They are in magnificent form with three wins in a row, including at Rangers and that long unbeaten run.
They have enjoyed plenty of success against Aberdeen and at Pittodrie and should be brimming with confidence. They look very strong across the pitch with players across their team in top form and options from the bench.
Aberdeen have twice played against ten men for the majority of games and struggled to break down both Hearts and Rangers and Hibs have kept three clean sheets in a row.
Ante Palaversa will have his work cut out in central midfield and hasn't been at his best recently. He's on ten yellow cards for the season – back him to get another one here at 6/4 with bet365.
These are two teams who like to play with width and that should lead to plenty of corners. Back over 10.5 corners at 10/11 with Boylesports.
This Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Hibernian will be played on and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Aberdeen vs Hibernian prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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