Preview: Hibernian vs. Aberdeen - prediction, team news, lineups

After losing in the Scottish League Cup final Hibernian will be hoping to get back to winning ways and put the defeat behind them when hosting Aberdeen on Wednesday.

However, the Dons are enjoying a three-match winning streak at the moment, but with just a point separating the two teams at the moment, there is plenty to play for in terms of league positioning.

Match preview

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Hibernian were defeated on Sunday when they played Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final, despite the fact they took the lead early in the second half via Paul Hanlon.

The Hoops responded just one minute after conceding and Kyogo Furuhashi went on to score a brace in order to lift the first trophy of the season.

The Hibees are undefeated in their previous two SPL matches, with a draw against St Mirren being followed by a victory over Dundee, but that win is the only one they have had in their previous six matches across all competitions.

Their poor form cost Jack Ross his job, and the club are yet to name a full-time manager so David Gray appears to be in charge once again in midweek.

However, the lack of wins that Hibernian have gained as of late has led to them dropping into the bottom half of the table, and as they sit just a point behind the Dons, this game provides a great chance to climb up it.

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Aberdeen have been impressive as of late, with a trio of wins seeing them sit sixth, with their previous outing leading to a 1-0 victory against St Johnstone.

Teddy Jenks scored the only goal of the game, which was only the second time that they managed to secure three points away from home, a statistic they will want to extend on Wednesday.

The Dons have been able to keep two clean sheets throughout this run, with Joe Lewis putting together some strong performances in goal for the club.

Even though they will be aware of the fact that Hibernian sit just a point behind them, Stephen Glass shall be looking up the table instead, with a victory having the potential to see them climb into fifth place.

They were able to secure the win earlier this season when facing the Hibees, as Christian Ramirez scored to take a 1-0 result, which they will want to repeat this time around.

Team News

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Hibernian were boosted in the cup final by the return of Martin Boyle, and he should be fit enough to start again on Wednesday with his attacking qualities working alongside Kevin Nisbet.

Kyle Magennis is unavailable for the Hibees right now due to injury, while Sean Mackie has also missed out recently due to being unfit.

However, Chris Cadden was able to appear on the bench against the Hoops despite fitness concerns surrounding him, and Josh Doig made his appearance as a substitute after suffering from an illness.

Mikey Devlin is nearing a return from his injury problems and he is expected to perform before the year ends, which could see him involved in the squad against Hibernian.

However, one player who is unlikely to feature is Matty Longstaff as Newcastle United are reportedly set to recall him from the loan deal in January due to a lack of game time for the midfielder.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Macey; Doig, Hanlon, Porteous, McGinn; Newell, Doyle-Hayes; Boyle, Campbell, Murphy; Nisbet

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Ojo, McCrorie, Bates, Hayes; Brown, Ferguson; Hedges, Emmanuel-Thomas, Watkins; Ramirez

We say: Hibernian 1-2 Aberdeen

Bouncing back from a cup final defeat is something that Hibernian will want to do at the first time of asking, but facing an in-form Aberdeen will not be a simple task.

The Dons have been performing well as of late and that confidence should push them to another victory in midweek, especially with their impressive defensive performances as of late.