Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Match Preview
A massive battle for the top six takes place at Easter Road on Tuesday, 30 December 2025. Hibernian, currently sitting 5th with 25 points, welcome an Aberdeen side breathing down their necks in 6th place (24 points). Both teams are looking to end 2025 on a high note after mixed runs of form. Hibs have struggled for consistency, winning just one of their last five league games, while Aberdeen are aiming to bounce back from a tough 3–1 defeat to Celtic and a European exit. With just one point separating the sides, this is a classic “six-pointer” in the race for European qualification.
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Match Info
- Competition: Scottish Premiership (Matchday 19)
- Venue: Easter Road, Edinburgh (Capacity: 20,421)
- Date: Tuesday, 30 December 2025
- Kickoff: 19:45 GMT
- Referee: David McFarlane (SCO)
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Match Stakes
Hibernian (5th — 25 pts):
- Win → Moves to 28 pts; solidifies 5th place and potentially closes the gap on 4th.
- Draw → Maintains the 1-point buffer over Aberdeen; keeps them in the top half mix.
- Loss → Leapfrogged by Aberdeen; drops to 6th and risks falling into the bottom half scramble.
Aberdeen (6th — 24 pts):
- Win → Moves to 27 pts; overtakes Hibernian to claim 5th spot.
- Draw → A decent away point but leaves them vulnerable to teams below (like Dundee Utd/Falkirk).
- Loss → Gap to Hibs widens to 4 pts; pressure mounts on Jimmy Thelin after a poor December run.
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Team News
Hibernian:
- Boyle M. — Available (Key Winger & Talisman)
- Bowie K. — Available (Forward option)
- Newell J. — Available (Captain)
- Youan E. — Questionable (Knock in previous fixture)
- Tactical Note: Manager David Gray has recently shifted to a back-three system (3-4-1-2) to shore up a leaky defense.
Aberdeen:
- Nisbet K. — Available (Striker returning to face former club)
- Mitov D. — Available (Starting GK – Key performer)
- Devlin N. — Available (Defensive leader)
- Shinnie G. — Available (Captain & Midfield engine)
- Palaversa A. — Questionable (Fatigue from European schedule)
- Tactical Note: Jimmy Thelin has experimented with a 3-4-2-1 recently to stop the defensive rot, moving away from his usual 4-2-3-1.
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Hibernian
- 20/12 — 1–1 vs Dundee Utd (Premiership)
- 16/12 — 0–1 vs Rangers (Premiership)
- 06/12 — 3–0 vs Falkirk (Premiership)
- 30/11 — 1–2 vs Celtic (Premiership)
- 26/11 — 0–2 vs Motherwell (Premiership)
Aberdeen
- 21/12 — 1–3 vs Celtic (Premiership)
- 19/12 — 0–3 vs Sparta Prague (UECL)
- 14/12 — 2–1 vs Kilmarnock (Premiership)
- 12/12 — 0–1 vs Strasbourg (UECL)
- 06/12 — 3–1 vs Dundee FC (Premiership)
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 26/10/2025 — Aberdeen 1–2 Hibernian (Premiership)
- 26/04/2025 — Aberdeen 1–0 Hibernian (Premiership)
- 01/02/2025 — Hibernian 2–0 Aberdeen (Premiership)
- 21/12/2024 — Aberdeen 1–3 Hibernian (Premiership)
- 27/11/2024 — Hibernian 3–3 Aberdeen (Premiership)
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Hibernian (3-4-1-2)
Bursik; O’Hora, Ekpiteta, Hanley; Cadden, Newell, Kwon, Obita; Boyle; Bowie, Kukharevych
Aberdeen (3-4-2-1)
Mitov; Devlin, Rubezic, Molloy; Keskinen, Shinnie, Nilsen, Mackenzie; McGrath, Clarkson; Nisbet
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Impact Bench
Hibernian: Levitt (Creativity), McKirdy (Energy late on)
Aberdeen: Duk (Pace/Chaos factor), Sokler (Goal threat)
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Tactical Analysis
Hibernian
At Easter Road, Hibs will look to play on the front foot, but their recent struggles against the Old Firm have dented confidence. David Gray’s reliance on Martin Boyle’s pace in transition is clear. If they can isolate Aberdeen’s wide center-backs, Boyle and Cadden can cause havoc. However, they must stop conceding cheap goals; they have only kept one clean sheet in their last five.
Aberdeen
The Dons are in a transition phase under Jimmy Thelin, trying to balance European fatigue with domestic duties. They have looked vulnerable defensively, conceding 3 goals to both Celtic and Sparta Prague recently. Their best route to goal is through the creativity of Jamie McGrath and the finishing of Kevin Nisbet. They will likely try to control the midfield battle through Graeme Shinnie and break quickly.
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Key Battles
- Nisbet vs Hanley — Former Hibs striker vs experienced defender.
- Boyle vs Mackenzie — Pace mismatch on the flank.
- Shinnie vs Newell — The battle of the captains in the engine room.
- Mitov vs Kukharevych — Aberdeen’s keeper needs to be alert to aerial threats.
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Spotlight Players
Hibernian — Martin Boyle
The Australian winger remains Hibs’ most dangerous outlet. His ability to win fouls and create something out of nothing is vital for a team struggling for fluidity.
Aberdeen — Kevin Nisbet
Returning to his old stomping ground, Nisbet will be desperate to score. His movement is elite for this level, but he needs service from Clarkson and McGrath to flourish.
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Prediction
Hibernian 2–2 Aberdeen
Both teams are defensively suspect (Hibs 20 conceded, Aberdeen 20 conceded) and desperate for points. Hibs have the home advantage, but Aberdeen have shown they can score goals on the road. Recent H2H history suggests goals (3-3 last year at Easter Road). Expect an entertaining, high-scoring draw to end the year.
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — High Probability (Defenses are leaky)
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely
- Kevin Nisbet to Score — Value Bet (Narrative play)
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — Where to Watch
- UK: Sky Sports Football / Main Event
- International: Hibs TV / RedTV (International Subscribers)
Hibernian vs Aberdeen — FAQs
Q: When is the Hibs vs Aberdeen match?
A: The match kicks off on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, at 19:45 GMT.
Q: Who is the favorite?
A: It is a very even contest. Bookmakers likely have them split down the middle, perhaps a slight edge to Hibs due to home advantage.
Q: Is Kevin Nisbet playing for Aberdeen?
A: Yes, he is expected to start against his former club.
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