On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Heart of Midlothian FC travels to Pittodrie Stadium for a pivotal Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen FC — a clash that could define the rhythm of the 2025-26 title race. With Hearts sitting seven points clear at the summit and Aberdeen clinging to survival hopes, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Kickoff is set for 10:00 AM local time, and despite Aberdeen’s recent uptick in form, every metric — from goals scored to away records — points to a Hearts victory.
Hearts’ Unbeaten Run vs Aberdeen’s Struggles
At this stage of the season, Hearts aren’t just leading the Scottish Premiership — they’re rewriting its history. With nine wins and three draws from 12 games, they remain the league’s only unbeaten side. Their 29 goals scored are the most in the division, while their 10 conceded are among the fewest. That’s elite balance. Manager Derek McInnes, who took charge in June 2025 after leaving his role as Scotland’s national team manager, has overseen 13 wins and four draws in 17 matches across all competitions. His side has won eight straight away games — a run that includes six victories and two draws — and has scored 1.7 goals per match on the road.
By contrast, Aberdeen have won just twice in their last 11 league games. Their eight goals scored tie them for the fewest in the league. Their home form at Pittodrie Stadium — once a fortress — has collapsed: five losses, three draws, and two wins in their last 10 home fixtures. They’ve averaged just 1.2 goals per game at home and conceded 1.6. The numbers don’t lie. This isn’t a team in transition — it’s a team in trouble.
Recent Form and Tactical Shifts
Even though Hearts were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Dundee in their last outing — their first match in five where they failed to score twice — they still sit comfortably atop the table. The draw was a rare stumble, but not a crisis. What’s more telling? They’ve kept clean sheets in five of their last eight league matches. Defender Callum Paterson and goalkeeper Zander Clark have become the backbone of a unit that rarely cracks under pressure.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen manager Thelin — whose full name remains unconfirmed in public sources — has sparked modest improvement. A 2-1 win over Kilmarnock and draws against Motherwell and AEK Larnaca suggest his tactical tweaks are starting to bite. But improvement doesn’t equal results when you’re 10 points from safety. Their last win at Pittodrie was back in April, when they stunned Hearts 2-1 in the Scottish Cup. That’s the last time they beat the Jambos — and it was in a cup tie, not a league battle.
Head-to-Head History: Pittodrie’s Forgotten Dominance
Here’s the twist: Aberdeen used to own Pittodrie against Hearts. In the previous eight meetings at the stadium, they won seven. That dominance, however, belongs to a different era — and a different team. Since the start of the 2024-25 season, Hearts have won both league fixtures at Pittodrie, including a 2-0 win on August 4, 2025. The 0-0 draw in January 2025 was their only point in the last three visits. The trend is clear: Hearts don’t fear the home crowd anymore.
Predictions and Expert Takes
Every major preview site is aligned: Hearts win. Sports Mole forecasts a 0-2 result, citing Lawrence Shankland as the match-winner. Forebet.com leans toward 1-2, noting Hearts’ superior possession (52.8%) and shot conversion (2.4 goals per game). Even the betting markets reflect confidence — Sports Gambler rates Hearts’ win at -114, calling it "value" and "bullish."
For Hearts, this isn’t just about points. It’s about momentum. After dropping two of their last three games, they need to remind everyone why they’re title favorites. For Aberdeen, it’s about survival. A loss would leave them just four points above the relegation zone with 14 games left. A win? That’s the spark no one believes they can produce.
What’s Next?
If Hearts win, they’ll extend their lead to ten points over Celtic — a psychological blow that could derail the challengers. A draw? That’s a gift to Celtic and a dagger to Aberdeen’s hopes. A victory for Aberdeen? That would be one of the biggest upsets of the season — and it would send shockwaves through the entire league.
Either way, this match isn’t just about three points. It’s about identity. Hearts are building something special. Aberdeen are trying not to collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hearts considered the favorite despite dropping points recently?
Hearts remain the only unbeaten team in the Scottish Premiership with nine wins from 12 games and a +19 goal difference. Their last draw (1-1 vs Dundee) was their first match in five where they failed to score twice — a rare blip. Their away record — eight straight wins — and league-leading 29 goals make them far more consistent than their recent result suggests.
How has Aberdeen’s home record changed compared to past seasons?
Historically, Pittodrie was a fortress for Aberdeen, especially against Hearts — they won seven of the last eight home meetings. But this season, they’ve lost five of their last 10 home games, scoring just 1.2 goals per match. The decline reflects deeper issues: defensive fragility, lack of clinical finishing, and a loss of psychological edge against top-tier opponents.
Who is Lawrence Shankland, and why is he key to Hearts’ chances?
Lawrence Shankland is Hearts’ 30-year-old striker and top scorer this season with 11 league goals. He’s clinical in the box, holds up play well, and has scored in five of his last seven appearances. His physical presence and composure under pressure make him the ideal finisher for Hearts’ attacking structure — and the player most likely to break open a tight game at Pittodrie.
What’s at stake for Aberdeen beyond this match?
A loss would leave Aberdeen just four points above the relegation zone with 14 games remaining. With only two league wins all season and a goal difference of -15, they’re already in danger. A win here would be their first in five home league games — a spark that could reignite fan confidence and give manager Thelin crucial breathing room to rebuild.
Has Derek McInnes ever managed a team to a league title?
No, McInnes has never won the Scottish Premiership as a manager. He led St Johnstone to two Scottish Cup wins and a Europa League run, but never the title. This season represents his best chance — and with Hearts’ current form, he’s on the verge of becoming the first manager since Brendan Rodgers to lead Hearts to the top spot since 2010.
How does this match compare to previous seasons’ clashes between the two?
In the 2023-24 season, Aberdeen won both league fixtures against Hearts — 2-1 at Pittodrie and 1-0 at Tynecastle. This season, the roles have reversed completely: Hearts have won both league meetings, including a 2-0 win in August. The shift reflects a broader trend — Hearts are now the stronger, more consistent side, while Aberdeen’s decline has accelerated.