Hearts v Aberdeen: Match Preview, Odds, Lineups, Prediction

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Hearts vs Aberdeen on matchday 1 of the Premiership. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 20:00 BST match.

• Fixture: Heart of Midlothian vs Aberdeen

• Date: Monday, 04 August 2025

• Kick-off: 20:00 BST

• Venue: Tynecastle Park

Opening weekend games of any league are hard to predict, as there isn’t much to go on apart from pre-season results, which can be deceptive.

However, considering their historical head-to-head record, both teams have demonstrated that they can be competitive in these fixtures, with Aberdeen slightly edging out the advantage in recent encounters. The lack of injury concerns for both sides suggests that they will field their strongest possible teams, which could lead to a closely contested match.

The tactical approaches of both teams will be crucial, especially at this early stage of the SPL campaign. The head-to-head record suggests that both teams possess the capability to score and defend effectively, which may result in a game where the outcome hinges on moments of individual brilliance or tactical adjustments made during the match.

Match Prediction: Heart Of Midlothian 1-1 Aberdeen

Hearts' stellar form of four straight wins in the group stages of the League Cup will give the club from the capital hope of an improved campaign in the 2025/26 season.

The absence of injuries suggests that they can field a strong squad, which could be a significant advantage. Their performance in this game will likely depend on how well they can adapt to Aberdeen's tactics and capitalise on their own strengths.

Recent Premiership Results: (Including relegation round)

• (W) 0-1 away win at Kilmarnock (05 May 2025)

• (W) 2-1 home win against St. Johnstone (14 May 2025)

• (W) 3-0 home win against Motherwell (10 Oct 2025)

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

• (L)  0-1 home defeat to Dundee (26 Apr 2024)

The Dons have played just two pre-season games heading into this opener. They recorded a 2-0 win over lower league Cove Rangers before suffering a 3-1 home defeat by English Championship outfit Ipswich Town. They ended last season's SPL campaign poorly with four straight defeats, but defeated Celtic 5-4 on penalties to win the Scottish Cup. 

Their performance will hinge on their ability to exploit any weaknesses in Heart of Midlothian's lineup and maintain a solid defensive structure.

Recent Premiership Results:

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

• (L) 1-5 defeat at home against Celtic (14 May 2025)

• (L) 0-4 defeat at Rangers (11 May 2025)

• (L) 0-1 away at St. Mirren (03 May 2025)

• (W) 1-0 home win against Hibernian (26 Apr 2025)

Historically, Aberdeen has had a slight edge over Heart of Midlothian in recent encounters, winning two out of the last five matches, with two draws and one loss. This suggests that Aberdeen might have a psychological advantage going into the game, although the closely contested nature of these matches indicates that Heart of Midlothian remains a formidable opponent.

Recent meetings 

• 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

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

  Heart of Midlothian's approach will likely focus on maintaining a balanced team to counter Aberdeen's strengths. Their predicted lineup suggests a focus on both defensive solidity and offensive creativity.

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

  Aberdeen's predicted lineup indicates a strategy that balances attack and defence, aiming to exploit any gaps in Heart of Midlothian's formation. Their approach will likely involve quick transitions and a strong midfield presence to control the game's tempo.

• Blair Spittal (Heart of Midlothian) vs Ante Palaversa (Aberdeen): This duel in midfield could dictate the flow of the game, with both players potentially vital in the middle of the park.

• Lawrence Shankland (Heart of Midlothian) vs Kusini Yengi (Aberdeen): The battle between these two forwards will be crucial, as their effectiveness in front of goal could determine the match's outcome.

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