'I expect a cagey affair' - Fans' predictions for Hibs v Aberdeen

Alex Gogic in the thick of the action during a pre-season friendly between Hibs and Aberdeen at Pittodrie

Duncan McKay, Terrace Podcast and A View from the Terrace contributor

Sunday could prove to be telling about what this season has in store for both Hibs and our visitors. Hibs have flown out the blocks while Aberdeen have stumbled, but both sides are probably playing within themselves. This either sets up Sunday for a classic encounter between the two or a match that could send a glass eye to sleep.

The victory over St Johnstone wasn't pretty, but we still left Perth with all three points and that's all that matters. The return of Stevie Mallan was a reminder that there is a talented player there despite how many of us, this writer included, can be frustrated by the midfielder. Our defence continues to look resolute which bodes well against an Aberdeen team that shook their offensive shackles off against our old friends NSÍ Runavík.

With Derek McInnes' insistence on playing players out of position and Jack Ross not quite settling on his preferred formation, it would be a fool's errand to try to anticipate how the game will pan out. I expect a cagey affair, but I'm hopeful that Christian Doidge gives Scott McKenna and co the runaround to show Ryan Giggs that he made a mistake by omitting the Welshmen from his squad earlier this week. Prediction: Hibs 2-1 Aberdeen

Freddie White

Joint top! Yep that’s right, us Hibees are still sitting joint top of the league after five games. Not only that, I think it’s fair to say we haven’t played particularly well in the majority of these games. But the difference now is we look like a team who trust each other at the back.

Our back four were again absolutely solid against St Johnstone. I thought Hanlon for the first time had a couple of shaky moments, but recovered very well and put in a very good performance. Doig I thought looked a little tired but that’s expected as he’s still a young lad. McGinn is the new Stevenson with being Mr Solid almost every week and big Porteous also had a good game.

Again, it doesn’t matter how we get the points as long as we do. It was a stonewall pen so I’m not sure why Liam Craig was so worked up. He should have been going through his own player for that, rather than moaning to the ref and getting sent off.

Onto the Dons now and this will be a real test for Hibs. Aberdeen are a very well-oiled machine, not pretty to watch but like Hibs just now they can grind out results. They seem to have put the Covid issue behind them and got a couple of good wins. Add in a very easy midweek win in Europe as well to boost confidence, and they’ll fancy taking the three points.

But I think with the way both teams are, I really can’t see past a point for each team. If we can maybe get an early goal you then never know we could kick on but just don’t see it. I also don’t think the game will be up to much either, so this week I’m going to go for a draw. Prediction: Hibs 1-1 Aberdeen

Connaire Wallace

Another week gone and another week joint-top of the table... I’m not quite ready to wake up from this dream yet!

Any win up is Perth deserves credit and the fact we have still not conceded a goal from open play is a fantastic achievement. The back line has been excellent so far this season with Ryan Porteous and Paul Hanlon striking up a formidable partnership to protect Ofir Marciano’s goal.

There is however, a real concern around our performances and whilst the results we’ve been able to grind out are impressive, we all know in football that never lasts forever. We desperately need to gain control of the midfield battle in any which way possible.I would be looking to give Newell and Horgan a rest to then go with a midfield three of Gogic, Allan and Mallan, the extra man in the middle could be pivotal this weekend.

This is a notoriously difficult fixture for Hibs and Aberdeen have become somewhat of a bogey team for us. For that reason combined with our poor performances in the last three games I can see Aberdeen escaping with a narrow win. Prediction: Hibs 1-2 Aberdeen

Steven Nicholson

Boyle signing his extension is the best news we have had since the start of the season in my opinion. I fully expect him now to stay for the remainder of the season with a gentlemen’s type agreement in place that Hibs will accept any bid over X. I think this suits both parties – Hibs have been good for Boyle and he has certainly given us some fantastic times.

Another stuffy performance last week saw us take the points when I think a draw was more than fair for both teams' efforts. However last season we would have lost that type of match.

I hope Hibs are not finished in the transfer market as midfield still looks light and needs some beefing up. The defence again looked solid and to me McGinn is quite unlucky to miss out on a Scotland call-up along with the ever-improving Porteous.

Sunday brings Aberdeen who will be looking to come and claim 3 points. If Hibs don’t raise their levels I can see that happening to be honest. The first goal in the top tier is always vital, I’m going to put my tin hat on and say Hibs luck might just run out. Prediction: Hibs 1-2 Aberdeen

Alan Turnbull

After another hard-earned victory on the road at St Johnstone, Hibs take on Aberdeen at Easter Road on Sunday and have now gone 300 minutes without conceding a goal.

Hibs fans have had some great news this week with Gogic and Marciano being called up to represent their countries and Boyle signing a new contract. Hibs go into the weekend with only Nisbet a doubt. Aberdeen had some shooting practice on Thursday night against NSÌ Runavik in a game they comfortably won 6-0.

I’m hoping to see Hibs play with two up top in this game with us finding a partner for Doidge, either Gullan or Boyle can fill that role. That would see us playing three at the back, and somebody to partner Newell and Gogic in the midfield three. I’d love to see Mallan given the chance as he’s full of confidence right now after his penalty winner last weekend and looked to have bags of energy. I’m going for a home win. Prediction: Hibs 2-0 Aberdeen