Hibs v Aberdeen team news and line-ups: Newell back? | Physical Aberdeen | Atmospheric Easter Road

A look ahead to Aberdeen’s visit to Easter Road

Christian Doidge won't be hoping for a repeat of the last time Hibs faced Aberdeen. Picture: SNS

It is arguably the standout fixture from the SPFL this weekend as Hibs welcome Aberdeen to Easter Road on Saturday afternoon.

The Hibees go into the fixture off the back of their first defeat in ten league games which poses the first test of Jack Ross’ early reign in Leith.

There have been steps forward and after making his first change some arriving with Martin Boyle coming in for Joe Newell it will be interesting to see his starting XI against the Dons.

Aberdeen will likely pose a robust threat as they usually do at Easter Road. Still missing two of their most influential midfielders it will likely mean a platform of Greg Leigh and Zak Vyner with the combative Lewis Ferguson on tow.

Add in a big travelling support to complement a big home support in December and it is set to be a feisty encounter between sides who between them have lost just two games in 19 in the league.

The Dons kept their good run going by drawing 2-2 at home to Rangers on Wednesday despite trailing 2-0.

Hibs team news: Jack Ross has nearly a full complement of players to choose from with Darren McGregor back in consideration after getting minutes under his belt in the SPFL Reserve Cup win over St Mirren, a game in which he opened the scoring. David Gray is also closing in on a return. Hibs fans will hope Joe Newell is back in contention after missing out against Ross County.

Probable Hibs team (4-4-2): Maxwell; Naismith, Porteous, Hanlon, Stevenson; Hallberg, Newell, Slivka, Allan; Kamberi, Doidge.

Aberdeen team news: Craig Bryson and Funso Ojo, who of course nearly signed for Hibs during the season, will likely be out until the new year. Andy Considine picked up a knock in the midweek draw with Rangers but should be fit. Winger Niall McGinn missed the fixture with Steven Gerrard’s men.

Probable Aberdeen team (4-2-3-1): Lewis; Logan, Taylor, McKenna, Considine; Leigh, Vyner; Hedges, Ferguson, Gallagher; Cosgrove.

Key clash: The midfield area will key on Saturday. It was noted how much Hibs missed Joe Newell in the defeat to the Staggies midweek and it will be an area to watch. How does Jack Ross line-up against what will likely be an aggressive and dynamic Aberdeen trio of Zak Vyner, Greg Leigh and Lewis Ferguson. It will be a battle.

Last meeting: It was an afternoon Christian Doidge would like to forget. He missed a raft of chances as Hibs failed to capitalise on a 1-0 goal lead – given to them by Ryan Porteous - and man advantage at Pittodrie, dropping two points via Sam Cosgrove’s late finish.

Match details: Saturday, December 7. Easter Road, Edinburgh. Kick-off 3pm. Tickets available via the Hibs official website or at the club’s ticket office.

Referee: Colin Steven (12 yellow cards and one red card in three Premiership games this season). It is the first time he is officiating a Hibs game.

Match odds: Hibs 33/20 Draw 23/10 Aberdeen 8/5