I suppose with Hearts currently getting a Discover Scotland tour of the country in the Scottish Championship, you could call these ‘the big two’ outside of the Old Firm?
They’ve both gotten off to strong starts, too. Factor in Aberdeen’s narrow defeat to Rangers (which looks better with each passing week) and the ease with which they sailed through to the next round of European qualifiers last week, and you’re potentially looking at a very good unit.
Hibs are also making a habit of winning narrow games, which is the hallmark of a side fit to persevere the trials and tribulations of bad refereeing decision and s**t Scottish weather for months on end.
So, what gives here?
The prices are fairly much standard for a W-D-W market, suggesting there’s nothing between the sides whatsoever.
But maybe it’s the team that genuinely believes they’re equipped for a run at Glasgow’s pair that will come out of this with a result.
Exactly which of them that is, is anyone’s guess, although given Hibs’ expectations for the year were surely more doused in reality than the visitors’, maybe it’s worth siding with probability?
Here’s your three best bets for this cracking Sunday afternoon encounter.
Correct Score: 0-0
One side is coming off European success midweek and the other would probably be happy with a point. What else did you think I’d push as the most likely result?
Hibs’ last three games have seen them either score once, or not at all. The winner over St. Johnstone was an injury time penalty, and the Dundee United strike was deep into the second half.
They don’t necessarily come out firing. The longer this game goes on, the more convinced I’ll be that there’ll be a lack of energy and a surplus of acceptance for the 0-0.
Ryan Hedges to Score Anytime
He’s probably been the star of this Aberdeen side so far, with a hat-trick midweek topping off a goal and assist thus far in the Scottish top flight.
Hedges is the most likely difference maker for Aberdeen here simply because of the wave of euphoria he’ll be on coming into this tie.
The Welshman also takes their penalties, which is an added bonus. Normally I’d offer more insight than this, but it’s merely a price play. He shouldn’t be as big as he is to have an impact, and for that reason, I’m willing to guess the iron is very much hot. Let’s strike.
Under 1.5 Goals
Under 1.5 Goals is just a nice insurance play, given that these two sides have a nasty habit of scoring late in games. If there’s to be a late surge from either side or a bad decision that’ll cost someone a point, then at least the lofty-ish price on this should help put some money back in our pockets.
What? You can’t believe I’m suggesting a 4.30pm Sunday kickoff in the Scottish Premiership might not live upto the expectations you’ve built up in your head? Sorry, I know. Shame on me.
Our three best bets for Hibs v Aberdeen
Correct Score: 0-0
Ryan Hedges to Score Anytime
Under 1.5 Goals
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