Heart of Midlothian vs Aberdeen: Odds, Lineups, Predictions, Preview Match Day 1

Explore Ladbrokes’ detailed preview for Heart of Midlothian vs Aberdeen in the Premiership. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 20:00 BST match. With Tynecastle Park nearly sold out, expect a charged atmosphere as both teams kick off their campaign.

• Fixture: Heart of Midlothian vs Aberdeen

• Date: Monday, 04 August 2025

• Kick-off: 20:00 BST

• Venue: Tynecastle Park

This opening weekend clash promises to be tightly contested, with little recent form to go on beyond pre-season results. Hearts are riding a wave of confidence after four straight League Cup wins, while Aberdeen’s mixed pre-season and late-season struggles last term make them harder to predict. The electric atmosphere at Tynecastle could give Hearts a slight edge, but Aberdeen’s historical edge in this fixture suggests they won’t go down easily. Expect a balanced game where individual brilliance or tactical tweaks could decide the outcome.

Match Prediction: Heart of Midlothian 1-1 Aberdeen

Hearts are in fine form, having won all four of their League Cup group stage matches, boosting hopes for a strong 2025/26 campaign. Despite some injury concerns, their squad depth allows for a competitive lineup. Playing at a packed Tynecastle, they’ll aim to leverage their attacking creativity and defensive solidity to challenge Aberdeen.

Recent Premiership Results:

• (W) 1-0 at Kilmarnock (05 May 2025)

• (W) 2-1 vs St. Johnstone (14 May 2025)

• (W) 3-0 vs Motherwell (10 Oct 2024)

• (W) 3-1 at Ross County (03 May 2024)

• (L) 0-1 vs Dundee (26 Apr 2024)

Aberdeen’s pre-season was mixed, with a 2-0 win over Cove Rangers but a 3-1 loss to Ipswich Town. Their late-season form last term was poor, with four consecutive Premiership defeats, though a Scottish Cup win over Celtic (5-4 on penalties) offers some optimism. With injury concerns, they’ll need to be tactically sharp to counter Hearts’ momentum and exploit any gaps.

Recent Premiership Results:

• (L) 1-2 at Dundee United (17 May 2025)

• (L) 1-5 vs Celtic (14 May 2025)

• (L) 0-4 at Rangers (11 May 2025)

• (L) 0-1 at St. Mirren (03 May 2025)

• (W) 1-0 vs Hibernian (26 Apr 2025)

Aberdeen hold a slight edge in recent meetings, winning two of the last five against Hearts, with two draws and one loss. The closely contested nature of these fixtures suggests a tight battle, with both sides capable of scoring and defending stoutly.

Recent Premiership Results:

• Heart of Midlothian 1-2 Aberdeen (19 Apr 2025)

• Aberdeen 0-0 Heart of Midlothian (12 Jan 2025)

• Heart of Midlothian 1-1 Aberdeen (01 Dec 2024)

• Aberdeen 3-2 Heart of Midlothian (06 Oct 2024)

• Heart of Midlothian 2-0 Aberdeen (27 Jan 2024)

• Craig Gordon (Shoulder injury): - Doubtful

• Jamie McCart (Leg injury): - Out

• Yan Dhanda: - Suspended

• Sivert Heltne Nilsen (Eye injury): - Out

Lineup (4-4-2): Clark; Borchgrevink, Halkett, Findlay, Kingsley; Wilson, Devlin, Spittal, Forrest; Shankland, Braga

Hearts’ lineup suggests a balanced approach, combining defensive stability with attacking flair. They’ll look to press high and exploit Aberdeen’s defense, especially with the home crowd behind them.

Lineup (4-2-3-1): Mitov; Jensen, Milne, Knoester, Shinnie; Palaversa, Clarkson; Morris, Aouchiche, Keskinen; Yengi

Aberdeen’s setup indicates a focus on quick transitions and a strong midfield presence to control the tempo. They’ll aim to stay compact and hit Hearts on the counter.

• Blair Spittal (Heart of Midlothian) vs Ante Palaversa (Aberdeen): This midfield duel could dictate the game’s flow, with Spittal’s creativity facing Palaversa’s control.

• Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian) vs Kusini Yengi (Aberdeen): The battle between these forwards will be crucial, as their goal-scoring prowess could decide the match.

• Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian): Hearts’ key striker, his finishing will be vital in front of a raucous Tynecastle crowd.

• Ante Palaversa (Aberdeen): His ability to dictate play in midfield could help Aberdeen stay competitive.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.