HEARTS have a chance to go nine points clear of rivals Aberdeen in the battle for third place in Scottish football when the sides meet in the capital on Wednesday night.
The weekend was a bad one for the Dons because not only did they lose in the League Cup semi-final after a gruelling 120 minutes to Rangers and suffered a few injury setbacks, they also dropped to fifth in the Premiership with Livingston taking advantage of Aberdeen not playing in the league to move above them.
Robbie Neilson's side have been motoring since the resumption of the league after the World Cup with four wins and two draws. They've also won all their games at Tynecastle.
However, they weren't impressive against St Mirren on Friday night and got away with what looked like a stonewall penalty against them.
Aberdeen gave everything against Rangers and but for a ridiculous wild challenge from captain Anthony Stewart, they looked like matching the Ibrox side all the way.
But he is suspended and star man Duk went off injured as well. Playing a full game and injury time on Hampden's quagmire surface must have been strength-sapping for them too.
How the bookies view it
Hearts are 6/5 favourites here with Coral. Aberdeen can be backed at 12/5 with bet365 and the draw is 13/5 with Boylesports.
Recent head to heads
It's usually the norm that Hearts beat Aberdeen at Tynecastle and Aberdeen beat Hearts at Pittodrie. The Dons haven't won in Gorgie for approaching six years, although they did win 2-0 at home when the sides met earlier this season.
Players to watch
Lawrence Shankland is on something of a goal drought by his standards having failed to score for a whole two games! He will be desperate to get back on track against his former club at 11/8 with bet365.
Bojan Miovski scored for Aberdeen at Hampden and the North Macedonian needed that after a dry spell. He is 15/8 with Paddy Power to score.
Anything else catch the eye?
Hearts can get one over the Dons here by winning this against Jim Goodwin's shattered troops. Aberdeen will be depleted and dejected and let's not forget their appalling away record – since the start of last season they have won four times away from home in 29 games.
Hearts are usually strong at home and we can forgive them one below-par performance last week. The arrivals of the likes of Yutaro Oda, James Hill and Garang Kuol should also give them a boost.
The signing of Graeme Shinnie has definitely given the Dons more steel and this is a fixture that can be fiery. There were six bookings in the first encounter this season and Willie Collum will relish this. Bet365 are the only ones who have priced this up so far at 6/5 for over 5.5 cards.
This Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Aberdeen will be played on Jan 18, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Hearts vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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