Aberdeen

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

Forget the new series of Race Across The World, the race for third in the Scottish Premiership should really have the TV companies talking.

High-flying Hibs were put in their place by Jimmy Thelin's Aberdeen as we went level on points with the Edinburgh side. Now three points separate three teams.

The game was a 'must win' for ourselves. You could sense the anticipation and atmosphere as you walked down Merkland Road and through the turnstiles.

Despite their unbeaten run, I was surprised Hibs played the way they did. A negative approach to look for a point. We were more adventurous albeit again guilty of overcomplicating things in the final third.

Like the early months of this rollercoaster season, Thelin's tactical nous and use of the bench came to the rescue with those being called upon having far more effect and directness.

Rollercoaster also perfectly sums up Kevin Nisbet's time at Pittodrie. Missing gilt-edged chances then producing a moment of magic that those listening to Open All Mics will have heard how wild it sent Willie Miller.

Those inside Pittodrie went equally as wild. Credit the defence who held firm for another clean sheet.

Five more cup finals to go. We keep believing.

Glen Schreuder can be found at Red Tinted Glasses, external

Watch the Sportscene team analyse an "incredibly exciting" race for third spot after Aberdeen beat Hibs in the Scottish Premiership.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Kevin Nisbet lit up the match at Pittodrie on Saturday with a moment of pure brilliance to win the match for Aberdeen against his former side Hibernian.

The Scotland striker leads the line in my team of the week.

Goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu, who won a Nigeria cap in November 2022 but currently plays for Tayport in the Midlands League, is to join Aberdeen on trial this week having spent last week with St Johnstone and with Stoke City, St Mirren, Dunfermline Athletic and Dumbarton all monitoring the 19-year-old. (The Herald), external

On-loan striker Kevin Nisbet, who is contracted to Millwall until summer 2026, is putting thoughts about his future on the backburner to focus on helping Aberdeen challenge for third spot in the Scottish Premiership and beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup final. (Press & Journal), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Watch highlights as Aberdeen striker Kevin Nisbet downs former side Hibs with stunning winner.

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We asked for your views on Aberdeen's 1-0 win against Hibs.

Here's what some of you said:

Euan: Fantastic goal from Kevin Nisbet to secure the three points! It was a game that needed something special given the defensive displays from both teams. Poor from Hibs to time waste the way they did in the second half. Quite embarrassing for them but it's also the game.

Graham: Hibs came for a draw, we were pressing for a large part of the game and although a little ropey at the back it was a much better performance than last week at Hampden. Then, crucially we saw the game out with little fuss.

Niall: This match was all about getting a win and the Dons delivered in some style with a touch of real class from Nisbet. This result should give a real sense of confidence to the Dons who are looking more composed and threatening as a unit at just the right time. There were some shaky moments in defence during the first period but there's definitely desire within the squad which is what will be needed to deliver as much as possible in the remaining games up to the cup final.

Fred: An important win but a really dull match. We need to find a couple of forwards who can consistently score or we will struggle in Europe next season.

Stuart: Given the pressure the team were under to win the game the performance was brilliant, considering Hibs are clearly the in-form team at the moment.

Jim: Stunning goal and looked comfortable for most of the match. Couple chances for Hibs, but nothing dangerous. Had worried it was going to be another dominant display with nothing to show, and up steps big Nisbet. Get him in on a permanent already!

Image source, SNS

• Aberdeen are undefeated in their last six games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 16 March 2024 to 9 November 2024, a run of 20 games.

• Hibernian failed to attempt a shot on target in this game, it's the first time they failed to attempt a shot on target in a game in the Premiership since facing St Mirren on 16 February 2025.

• Kevin Nisbet has scored 10 goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Aberdeen player.

• Hibernian have conceded 17 goals in the last 15 minutes of second halves, only Ross County (18) have conceded more in the Premiership this season.

Did you take in Aberdeen's win over Hibernian or were you following from home?

Have your say on the match

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "I'm happy, it was a really intense game and difficult game. The performance was stable and in some areas really good.

"Kevin' Nisbet's brilliance there in his goal, it was really important for us to get the three points.

"We knew before this that we had to win this game because they were three points before us. The last four in the league now is still so tight. We have to be sharp in every game that's left."

Image source, SNS

Tyrone Smith
BBC Scotland at Pittodrie

While much has been made of Hibernian's incredible run of form, Aberdeen appear to be coming good again at just the right time.

They have put the turbos on at the business end of the season - it is now just one defeat in 12 games in all competitions for Jimmy Thelin's side.

While all things Europe remain undecided, what now appears clear is that the battle for those places – and for who will finish as the best of the rest of behind the Old Firm – looks set to go down to the wire.

Aberdeen are very much in the thick of it and are showing plenty of character at the moment – and character, as well as quality, can get you over the line.

They also have a Scottish Cup final to look forward to at the end of May, and the potential impact of that on their league form perhaps shouldn't be underestimated.

Every player in the Pittodrie dressing room will want to be part of the squad for Hampden. In order to do that, they will have to perform well between now and then.

Could that give Aberdeen the edge in the chase for third?

Image source, SNS

Full-back Alexander Jensen, 23, believes his best is yet to come at Aberdeen. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has no concerns about fielding Jamie McGrath on Saturday against Hibernian, where the 28-year-old midfielder will be next season. (Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Aberdeen forward Ester Sokler is out for the rest of the season with a leg injury, joining Kristers Tobers (hamstring), Sivert Heltne Nilsen (eye) and Vicente Besuijen (knee) on the sidelines, but Gavin Molloy is back in contention.

Hibs captain Joe Newell (groin) won't play again this season, while Elie Youan (toe) and Kwon Hyeok-kyu (ankle) are also out.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Jimmy Thelin is determined to halt Hibs' club record unbeaten run and boost Aberdeen's hopes of third place when the sides meet in a crucial showdown at Pittodrie on Saturday.

The fifth-place Dons have the chance to move level with the capital club, who are three points above with just five games remaining.

However, Aberdeen are yet to beat Hibs in three attempts this season and another defeat to David Gray's side would leave the Pittodrie men floundering in the fight for third.

"Everybody knows the importance of the game," said manager Thelin.

"They have done really well but still it is just three points difference and I think we are also on a good run now.

"All the games left are really important but of course we play against Hibernian who are three points ahead and we play at home and we will try and win this game.

"Even if we win we have some more games to play, but tomorrow is really important to win."

Aberdeen beat Hearts last weekend to reach the Scottish Cup final and have only lost one of their past 11 games.

However, Hibs are unbeaten in the league for 17 matches - form that has equalled a 77-year club record and earned head coach David Gray a new deal.

"I think Hibernian have showed their respect for his work and he has got a new contract, he deserved it and done really well. it is good for him and it is good for Hibernian," said Thelin.

"They are really clear with what they want to do. They have a clear directness inside the game, a lot of runs and they are good at what they are doing.

"That is what we have to prepare for and also doing better than the last games against them.

"Of course our own attacking is important also, how we attack them. That is the main part for tomorrow how we are going to approach the game."

Aberdeen have suffered a blow with striker Ester Sokler being ruled out of the remainder of the season after picking up a knock in training.

The Slovenian, who has seven goals in 28 games this term, missed a couple of months earlier in the campaign with a hamstring injury.

Thelin said: "It is tough, that is why you always feel for the players, when they are training so hard and he is coming back and then gets another setback."

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

Having secured their place in the Scottish Cup final, Aberdeen turn their attention to chasing down Hibernian for a third-placed finish.

Jimmy Thelin's side cannot afford a defeat that would leave them six points adrift of the Leith visitors with just four games to go.

The Dons did not perform at their best in the semi-final win over Heart of Midlothian, but it did stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches - and only Celtic have beaten them in their past 11 games.

However, Hibs overshadow that, with the runaway leaders their only nemesis - twice - in 23 outings in league and cup that have lifted David Gray's side out of the doldrums and off the bottom of the table since scoring twice in stoppage time to draw 3-3 with Aberdeen in an Easter Road thriller in November.

That was also the beginning of an 11-game unbeaten home run and they have since beaten the Dons twice - 3-1 at Pittodrie in December and 2-0 at Easter Road in February - and are on a run of seven straight home wins since sharing another six-goal thriller with Rangers.

However, the Dons will look to repeat last May's 4-0 win there that went some way to helping them finish top of the bottom six last season.

Only this time the stakes - European qualification places - are higher and both sides will be keen to take advantage of any dropped points by Dundee United, who are ahead of the Dons on goal difference but face that difficult home game at home to Celtic earlier in the afternoon.

Read the rest of this weekend's Scottish Premiership picks.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has been speaking to the media before the Premiership visit of Hibs on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• Thelin wouldn't comment on the move for Australian striker Nicolas Milanovic, but said "we have work to do" when asked if he was expecting a busy summer transfer window.

• Striker Ester Sokler will miss the rest of the campaign after injuring his leg in training.

• With Aberdeen three points behind third-place Hibs, Thelin says "everybody knows the importance of the game" but insists nothing will be decided whatever the outcome.

• Thelin says David Gray's new deal at Easter Road is deserved - "Hibs have showed their respect for his work" - and the team are "really clear in what they want to do".

• On whether the Scottish Cup final can have a positive impact on the Dons' league campaign: "Now we have to put the final a little bit aside and focus on the league games."

• Other team news: The game is too early for Kirsters Tobers, while Sivert Heltne Nilsen continues to miss out with an eye injury.

BBC Sport Scotland commentator Liam McLeod has been answering some of your Aberdeen questions.

Justin asked: How do you think Aberdeen should approach the tactics for the cup final? And do Celtic need to have an off day for Aberdeen to win?

Liam answered: In short, yes, Celtic will need to be off it. If they play as they do most of the time, they will beat anyone on the day.

I have seen a lot of both teams this season and the most recent meeting between the two has to be a lesson for the Dons. Celtic were off it that night at Parkhead yet ran out 5-1 winners.

It was a poor a performance as the champions have put in at home this season and Aberdeen had plenty opportunities. They didn't take them and were slack defensively.

Aberdeen have only kept seven clean sheets in the league this season while Celtic have only failed to score on three occasions. To win the Scottish Cup, Aberdeen may have to score three times, as they did against them in last season's semi-final, to stand a chance of lifting the trophy.

Given their attacking prowess, it may sound a bit strange, but the fact Celtic clearly won't be sitting in should work in Aberdeen's favour and it'll be about taking their opportunities when they arrive and defending properly.

Geoff asked: Loan players have been a slippery slope for the likes of Motherwell. Are Aberdeen at risk of becoming similarly exposed to players returning to parent clubs?

Liam answered: The Dons currently have four players on loan deals in Oday Dabbagh, Kevin Nisbet, Jeppe Okkels and Alfie Dorrington, which is probably the right amount.

It always comes with the quid pro quo that you are, generally, getting a player you wouldn't otherwise be able to afford and who can enhance your season but it obviously comes with the fact they normally disappear into the sunset at the end of the season.

If Nisbet or Dabbagh come up with the big moment that wins the cup for Aberdeen then they'll have written their name into the club's history so it can pay dividends.

Aberdeen's strategy is to buy talent and sell at a premium and they have been very successful at that recently.

But loans are essential in this day and age and it's not as if Thelin will have to build a whole new team even when those four depart.

Aberdeen are expected to sign Western Sydney Wanderers' Australian winger Nicolas Milanovic, 23. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Plymouth Argyle are interested in 24-year-old Aberdeen left-back Jack MacKenzie, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Sun), external

Aberdeen defender Mats Knoester, 26, is pleased with the impact he has made since joining the Dons, having been on the losing side just once so far. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

• Aberdeen have won just one of their past nine league meetings with Hibs (D3 L5), a 4-0 victory in May 2024.

• Hibs are looking to win three successive league meetings with Aberdeen for the frst time since December 2004, and could also win two in a row away to the Dons for the first time since September 2004.

• Aberdeen have only lost one of their past eight league games (W4 D3), and are unbeaten in five (W2 D3) since defeat to Celtic in February (5-1).

• Hibs have won each of their past three league games, all by at least two goals. Hibs last won four in a row by 2+ goals in the top fight in February 2008 – a run which included a 3-1 win over Aberdeen.

• Martin Boyle has scored (four) or assisted (one) a goal in each of his past five Scottish Premiership games; the last Hibs player to do so in six in a row in the competition was Marc McNulty in March 2019.

BBC Sport Scotland commentator Liam McLeod has been answering some of your Aberdeen questions.

Euan asked: Why can't Aberdeen break down a 10-man team?

Liam answered: When Hearts were reduced to 10 men in the Scottish Cup semi-final, the previous week against Rangers flashed through my mind and it proved to be a major challenge for the Dons as it was six days before.

The answer lies somewhere in the way Jimmy Thelin wants to play and whether he has worked out a 'Plan B' yet. When the form fell off a cliff, he continued, essentially, with the same players and tactics despite it failing.

The Swede is all about the transitions and quick breaks so when Rangers and Hearts had a man sent off, the ability to execute those tactics was diminished as the opposition sat back and soaked up the, at times, pedestrian play.

I felt Dante Polvara made a big difference when he came on in extra-time at Hampden and hopefully Thelin starts to utilise the big American more often.

Graham asked: Will Aberdeen be staying at Pittodrie rather than moving?

Liam answered: The club's aspiration continues to be a move to a new stadium. The date for this has continually been pushed back and it has cost the club around £5m throughout what has been a frustrating process for the Dons.

Ideally, the club stays in or near the city with the proposed community stadium near their current home running into problems as the council scaled back on their plans. A move has been mooted for more than a quarter of a century now so who knows when there will be clarity.

John asked: We have heard contrasting opinions about Thelin this season. In your opinion, is he a breath of fresh air or tactically naive?

Liam answered: The one thing about Thelin is that he has only really appeared a bit uncomfortable once or twice.

I remember his interview after the capitulation in Kilmarnock and you could tell he was furious. But, whether he was on 13-match winning run or going without victory in 12, he has generally maintained an air of calm.

I do think he needs to find a way of getting round teams that come to Pittodrie, in particular, when the majority of those games are ones that Aberdeen are expected to win. There have been too many examples of matches where it doesn't look like the team are able to break down low blocks and defensive set-ups.

The onus is on Thelin and his players to deal with that and that inability could yet cost them third place which they looked a stick-on for in the autumn.

BBC Sport Scotland commentator Liam McLeod has been answering some of your Aberdeen questions.

Kiera asked: Hi Liam, who do you think has been the Dons' star and standout player this season?

Liam answered: I don't think the Dons have had a massive standout player this season, however I would have to go with Shayden Morris.

It seems bizarre to go with someone who has only started eight league games this campaign, but he has had a huge effect on the outcome of matches even from the bench, including his winner against Rangers in October.

He has scored five goals and set up another 12. Had Jamie McGrath been fit for the whole campaign and maintained his early-season form when the team was flying, he would have been a major candidate.

Niall asked: Which areas of Jimmy Thelin's strongest starting line-up need to be strengthened in the close season to provide more consistency with the hope we will be in Europe? And where do you anticipate these targets will be drawn from?

Liam answered: It's clear the Dons need to strengthen in several areas. Dimitar Mitov is an excellent number one in Scotland but his understudy Ross Doohan is out of contract in the summer so they may need a new number two.

I would imagine Kristers Tobers and Mats Knoester will be the first choice centre-back paring after pre-season but with Alfie Dorrington going back to Spurs and Slobodan Rubezic allowed to leave on loan, there may be scope to add in this area although Gavin Molloy will return soon.

Graeme Shinnie has done quite well at left-back but with Jack MacKenzie likely to leave, a fresh face for this position will be important.

The forward areas will need looked at with Kevin Nisbet, Jeppe Okkels and Oday Dabbagh's loans up although there is an option to buy the latter. Nisbet has looked better recently, but the Dons have missed Bojan Miovski more than they realised when they were winning every week at the start of the season. A new number nine will have to be the priority.

If there's an extended European run, a big squad will be needed so as not to adversely affect domestic form as has been the case for the Dons and Hearts in recent seasons.

The Scandinavian and Eastern European markets will be looked at again, but what the likes of Aberdeen should be doing is pilfering the best players from other teams in Scotland as they did with the likes of Scott Severin, Barry Nicholson, Jonny Hayes, Shinnie and Kenny McLean.

David asked: Should Jimmy Thelin be a contender for manager of the season, or does the winless run he endured hinder his chances?

Liam answered: Unfortunately, the winter slump that followed that record-breaking start will rule Thelin out of the running.

If he wins the Scottish Cup and finishes third then the argument is clearly there, but the awards are traditionally announced before the Hampden showpiece meaning Hibernian's David Gray is probably a more realistic candidate given the unbeaten streak his team is on, a run Thelin has to stop on Saturday to maintain hopes of finishing in the top three.

Aberdeen are awaiting a timescale on 33-year-old midfielder Sivert Heltne Nilsen's return from injury. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip