Hearts vs Aberdeen Prediction: Stick with the in-form Dons

In the first of the Scottish Cup semi-finals, Hearts and Aberdeen clash at Hampden Park on Saturday (12:30, live on BBC Scotland).

Betfred’s Frank Monkhouse offers his Hearts vs Aberdeen predictions, complete with the latest odds and team news.

The scene is set for a competitive semi-final at the national stadium as Hearts and Aberdeen face off for a place in next month’s decider.

The Jambos recently missed a top-six finish following two defeats and a draw, finishing a point behind sixth-placed St Mirren. Will the team from Tynecastle use their pain to fire themselves into a cup final against the winners of Celtic vs St Johnstone? That’s the dream for everyone connected to Neil Critchley’s team.

Aberdeen secured a top-six finish with room to spare, relying on a strong start to keep their rivals at arm’s length. Jimmy Thelin’s side are in the running for a third-place finish, and would dearly love to add the Scottish Cup to a bronze medal.

To stand any chance of a grandstand finish, the Dons know they must beat Hearts. The performance isn’t anywhere near as important as the result at this late stage.

Hearts vs Aberdeen Odds

As you’d expect with a Scottish Cup semi-final that doesn’t involve either half of the Old Firm, the pre-match betting market is competitive and packed with value.

Betfred's traders make Hearts the favourites, but the fact  the draw is 12/5 shows what’s expected on Saturday afternoon in Glasgow.

Hearts beat fellow Premiership side Dundee 3-1 in the quarter-finals, and you can stick with the Jambos at 13/10.

Queens Park beat Rangers at Ibrox in the early rounds of this tournament, a result that moved Philippe Clement towards the sack. Queens were fantastic in Govan, but their journey ended in the quarters when they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at Pittodrie.

Aberdeen have plenty of experience playing at Hampden and hope that will help nudge them into another final. You can back Aberdeen to win at an eye-catching 21/10.

Team News

Hearts manager Neil Critchley will be without right-back Gerald Taylor, who's sidelined with a knee injury, for Saturday's semi-final, but otherwise he has little to worry about in the way of absentees.

It's not so rosy-looking for the visitors, however, who have a few on the missing/unlikely to feature list - namely Dimitar Mitov, Jamie McGrath, Vincente Besuijen, Sivert Heltne Nilsen and Gavin Molloy.

Kristers Tobers could return to Jimmy Thelin's starting XI having missed the Rangers game to prioritise his recovery.

Under 2.5 goals @ 1/1

It may lack the romance of the cup, but my first pick is on Saturday’s semi-final producing fewer than three goals.

With a place in the final against Celtic or St Johnstone a real possibility for either side before kick-off, we’re in for a nervy and tense affair.

There are plenty of goals in both camps, but neither Critchley nor Thelin will go on the attack early.

Previous meetings this season show backing under 2.5 goals was the smart approach in each of the last two and three of four. The rivals drew 1-1 in the capital late last year and ended goalless in the Granite City in January.

It’s the biggest game of the season for Hearts and Aberdeen, and they won’t want to waste a golden opportunity by being careless.

Aberdeen to win @ 21/10

With our main bet set in stone, I now shoot for a pick at higher odds by choosing sides.

Aberdeen made light work of Queens Park, but they’ll face a much sterner test on Saturday. I expect them to get the job done and sneak through by a narrow margin, winning the game without the need for extra time or penalties.

Aberdeen travel on a five-game unbeaten run in the Premiership, winning two and drawing three. Thelin’s hopefuls recently beat Ross County 1-0, Motherwell 4-1 and ended goalless at McDiarmid Park. They also exploded into a 2-0 lead when hosting Rangers before Ianis Hagi scored late to deny Aberdeen a famous win.

There’s confidence in the Dons’ camp and they’re value to progress.

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