Aberdeen v Hibs: Match preview and probable line-ups

Hibs travel to the Granite City tomorrow in the first of three 'cup finals' in the battle for second place.

Paul Hanlon holds off Ryan Christie in the last meeting between the two teams. Picture: SNS Group

Hibs fans will remember the side’s last trip to Pittodrie only too well, as a clinical Aberdeen side put four past Neil Lennon’s side before Anthony Stokes scored a late consolation.

Last time the two sides met, however, the Hibees came out on top, defeating Derek McInnes’ side 2-0 at Easter Road.

The biggest bit of team news ahead of this highly anticipated clash is whether or not Dylan McGeouch features for the visitors.

The influential midfielder missed last weekend’s 5-3 thriller against Kilmarnock with a facial injury and will be assessed again before tomorrow’s match.

His fellow midfielder Danny Swanson has been battling a virus this week and a late decision will be made on the former St Johnstone man.

Other than long-term absentee Ross Laidlaw, Lennon has a full squad to choose from but captain David Gray is unlikely to be risked in the remaining games.

Lennon is expected to stick with the same starting line-up that faced Steve Clarke’s side last week, with Whittaker likely to continue deputising for McGeouch if the former Celtic man doesn’t make it.

McInnes, meanwhile, will have to shuffle his pack with Kenny McLean suspended and Chidi Nwakali a doubt with an ankle knock.

Sam Cosgrove impressed during his first start for the Dons in the 2-0 win over Hearts last Friday night and could get the nod up front.

Ryan Christie is likely to come in for McLean in the midfield while Dominic Ball is likely to continue alongside Graeme Shinnie in the holding midfield roles.

Last five meetings: Hibs 2-0 Aberdeen; Aberdeen 4-1 Hibs; Hibs 0-1 Aberdeen; Hibs 2-3 Aberdeen; Hibs 2-0 Aberdeen

Likely Hibs team (3-4-1-2): Marciano; Ambrose, McGregor, Hanlon; Boyle, McGeouch/Whittaker; J McGinn, Stevenson; S Allan; Kamberi, Maclaren. Subs from: Bell, Porteous, Rherras, Bartley, Swanson, Barker, F Murray, Slivka, Shaw, L Allan.

Likely Aberdeen team (4-2-3-1): Lewis; Logan, O’Connor, McKenna, Considine; Shinnie, Ball; N McGinn, Christie, Mackay-Steven; Cosgrove. Subs from: Woodman, Arnason, Harvie, Reynolds, May, Stewart, Rooney, Maynard.

Referee: John Beaton

Kick-off: 3.00pm

Odds: Aberdeen 6/5 Draw 121/50 Hibs 13/5 (odds correct at the time of writing)