Aberdeen

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

It's difficult to know what direction Aberdeen are going in right now.

After a positive burst of results the old problems have returned on the pitch with the 2-0 defeat at Hibernian sending them back to the bottom six of the most competitive Premiership in years, if not decades.

However, the Dons look as though they will be on the outside looking in.

Jimmy Thelin has been afforded a budget the consistent Derek McInnes could only dream of during his eight years in post. Yet there appears very little identity in the team and even less attacking threat and Thelin looked ashen faced as he conducted his post-match interviews at Easter Road.

Aberdeen have played a match fewer than in-form Motherwell and if the Dons were to win their game in hand at Rangers next Tuesday, there would only be a gap of five points between the two.

But there is a staggering difference in their respective styles.

Thelin's old adversary in Sweden, Jens Berthel Askou, is achieving at Fir Park having had a year and two transfer windows fewer than his counterpart, and on a fraction of the Dons' outlay.

Compare the respective displays from the two teams on Tuesday night. Motherwell were everything Aberdeen would want to be as they put Celtic to the sword. Bright, aggressive, energetic, pressing high and clinical.

Aberdeen were anything but and they have to put that right soon. Perhaps a transfer window will help and it could be another busy one at Pittodrie.

As 2025 ends, the Scottish Cup win shines brightly. It will go down as a seminal year for the club which has capitalised on that success off the pitch by parading the silverware in schools and clubs across the region.

It was not just a success for the football club but for the north-east of Scotland and the Dons have done an excellent job of making everyone feel a part of it.

But, on the pitch, there appears to have been no progress with just 12 Premiership wins in the calendar year and only one victory over a top-six side this season.

The question on everyone's lips as we enter 2026 is can Thelin turn it round?

Sportscene pundits Scott Allan and Billy Dodds discuss Aberdeen's disallowed goal in their 2-0 defeat to Hibs at Easter Road.

We asked for your thoughts after Aberdeen's 2-0 defeat to Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Richard: Too many defensive mistakes, can't score goals and too many personnel changes.

John: The league table doesn't lie. Disjointed, square pegs in round holes and a distinct lack of energy throughout the team. Stick or twist decision once again for Dave Cormack.

Lorenzo: By now we should know our best team and they should know how to play together, but neither are true. We look tactically shot and unable to communicate on the field. We are fragile at the back and lack confidence to take chances when they are presented. Time to give Peter Leven a proper chance at the helm. Someone who knows how to take youth through and navigate the Scottish game.

Mike: I have been a supporter of Jimmy Thelin and until now thought he should be given time. But we are now going backwards. No new ideas, same issues and excuses game after game. No idea what his best side is. I no longer see how he can turn it around.Do think however that there are deeper issues at top of club too though, it's not just Jimmy. On-field performance has declined since Cormack took charge and I do not see it changing any time soon. Cormack needs to go.

Jimmy: Sorry Jimmy, thanks for the cup, but time is up. Slow, boring, predictable football every game. An expensively assembled squad that looks clueless and showing no sign of improvement.

Aken: A depressingly predictable loss. We are a truly frustrating watch where we can't create anything going forward and you end up waiting for the inevitable mistake at the back. We are heading for a bottom-six finish. Something needs to change, a clearout of surplus players in January would be a start. I'd also like us to look at more homegrown talent or at least players that have proven SPFL experience.

Watch the best of the action from Hibernian's comfortable 2-0 win over Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK users only)

Hibernian turned in a strong second-half showing to dismiss Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership and move six points clear of their visitors at Easter Road.

Have yor say on Aberdeen's performance..

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "It's a difficult away game but Hibernian were better over 90 minutes. But you can still survive a game and take one point if it's not a perfect day.

"But on the critical transition moments in the game we are not smart and strong enough.

"We make it difficult for ourselves going behind. Then we have the chance for the equaliser with a good cross ands three [of the same] players running for the ball.

"It's small margins and they were really effective in their chances.

"We have to push through this. We tried to refresh some energy today without disrupting the team too much. But we need to give a little bit more.

"The next game is an important one."

On Kevin Nisbet's disallowed goal for offside, Thelin said: "It was close, but that's the small margins in football."

Image source, SNS

Jack Milne believes an "open game" away to a Hibernian side buoyed by Saturday's Edinburgh derby victory will suit Aberdeen.

The Dons were frustrated by a 1-1 draw against a well-organised Dundee United at Pittodrie at the weekend and have often struggled to break down stuffy opponents at home this term.

But, having notched four victories in their past five away games in the league, Aberdeen are relishing Tuesday's trip to fifth-placed Hibs, who are three points above them in the table

"They'll be buzzing," defender Milne said of Hibs. "We know that and we'll be ready for anything. It will probably be a more open game.

"They'll come after us and we'll go after them, which I think will suit us a wee bit more. I'm looking forward to it."

Image source, SNS

Hibernian's Nicky Cadden is doubtful after a calf injury forced him off against Hearts on Saturday, while Rocky Bushiri, Miguel Chaiwa and Jordan Obita are on international duty.

Rudi Molotnikov is close to returning after an ankle injury.

Aberdeen have Dylan Lobban available following suspension.

Fellow defenders Gavin Molloy and Kristers Tobers are still out with knee injuries.

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin's immediate January priority is to strengthen his centre-back area. (Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

• Hibernian have lost just one of their last nine home league games against Aberdeen (W6 D2), a 0-4 defeat in May 2024 under Nick Montgomery.

• Aberdeen have lost three of their last four league games against Hibernian (W1), as many as their previous eight beforehand (W2 D3 L3).

• After beating Kilmarnock 1-0 in their final league match of 2024, Hibernian could end two consecutive years in the top-flight with a win for the first time since doing so in 2012 (v Celtic) and 2013 (v Kilmarnock).

• Aberdeen have both scored and conceded in each of their last five league games, last doing so six times in a row in February 2022.

• Only Hearts pair Lawrence Shankland (51) and Cláudio Braga (49) have had more shots in the Scottish Premiership this season than Aberdeen's Jesper Karlsson (46). However, all five of Karlsson's goals in the league this term have come at Pittodrie, failing to score with any of his 21 shots away from home.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin goes into Tuesday's visit to Hibernian with "strong belief" as his team embark on the first of three successive away games.

The Dons have been victorious in four of their eight league games on the road this term. Only Hearts (six) and Celtic (five) have won more.

They put in a disappointing performance when the sides last met, losing 2-1 at Pittodrie in October.

But Thelin is optimistic sixth-placed Aberdeen can fare better this time round against opponents who are three points above them in the table.

Following Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United, the Swede said: "We have to put this game behind us. Of course it was important to take all three points but we didn't and now we have to catch these points in some way away.

"We know Hibs are good in what they are doing and how they play and the last game at home was not in our favour so we have to do some parts better.

"But I have strong belief. I think our away games so far have been okay and I think we can do a good game on Tuesday.

"I think it is going to be a different kind of game, but we are up for the challenge and I also think we can threaten them.

"I think it is going to be a quite open game so let's see."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Adil Aouchiche (Aberdeen): Initially looked a disappointing signing at the start of the season, but Aouchiche now looks like his confidence is up.

He is the man striking the rhythm at the heart of this Aberdeen side, his long-range strike leading to the equaliser against Dundee United.

Adil Aouchiche wants to repay Aberdeen for giving him regular football by helping the club secure a return to Europe next season. (Press & Journal), external

Read all of Monday's Scottish football gossip

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Jimmy Thelin admits Jesper Karlsson could be recalled by Bologna next month but says the forward is "happy" at Pittodrie.

The Sweden international scored his sixth goal of the season to earn Aberdeen a 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United.

Karlsson agreed a season-long loan move from Bologna in August but the Serie A club could end that in January if they want to facilitate a permanent transfer elsewhere.

"I always say that in the windows we have to wait and see," Thelin said.

"We'll see what happens when the window closes. I am always happy when people are here, but let's see what happens at the close of the window.

"I think he is happy and he is important for us, but the window is always the window. I think he is playing a lot and improving, and I think he's happy to be here."

Watch highlights of Aberdeen's 1-1 draw with Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK users only)

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen midfielder Adil Aouchiche says his side need to turn their possession into goals over the coming weeks.

The Dons enjoyed 72% possession and had 14 shots - including six on target - but an xG of just 1.29 as they came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Pittodrie in the Premiership on Saturday.

"It is a bit of a frustrating game," Aouchiche said. "We didn't play really badly, we were good in the possession with the ball. Now it is about finishing the action, create more chances, big chances in the final third and we need to work more in this phase to score more goals."

Sixth-place Aberdeen now have a tough trio of away games to contend with, starting on Tuesday against Hibernian, who are three points ahead.

"It is a massive game," Aouchiche said. "Every game is important, but this one will be really massive. We want to go there to bring the three points.

"A good chance to close the gap and bring back some confidence for our team. If we win this away game against a big team, it is going to be really good for the team.

"Three games in a row away, so we need to be really solid, really compact and everyone has to be ready because I think the manager is going to use everyone for these games."

Despite an up-and-down campaign, Aberdeen remain very much in the battle for European places after competing in this season's Conference League.

"We need and we have to play in Europe next season," Aouchiche added.

"I came here and they gave me the opportunity to play in Europe, so I have to give them back and this huge club deserves to play in Europe every season."

We asked for your views on Aberdeen's 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Pittodrie.

Here are some of your comments:

Niall: Yet again the Dons' lack of a clinical finisher was exposed with another two home points dropped. Unless the January transfer window brings in a proven scorer we will do well to hold on to a top-six position with a return to European football next session resigned to fantasy.

Rory: Jimmy Thelin should be given the full three-year project. He has won a Scottish Cup and taken the team to sixth during a tough European schedule. Look at the record of Hibs, Aberdeen, Hearts, and Dundee United managers in the last 30 years. Why should Thelin be expected to win the league?

Alan: We are now at the halfway point of this much-lauded three-year plan and I see absolutely no sign of what it's supposed to be. A coveted but fluke cup win yes, but a squad full of mainly project incomers showing no likelihood of morphing into mega money sell-ons, some egotistical loanees, and two decent youngsters leaving us with square pegs in round holes. A Pittodrie fortress? Pull the other one.

Neil: Totally dominated possession in the first half yet we go in 1-0 down at half-time. This painfully slow build-up play that inevitably falls apart in the final third is becoming almost unbearable to watch. The manager seems happier to set up to not lose games rather than going out to try and win them. Beyond frustrating.

Eric: Another two points wasted through calamitous defending. Time to stop chopping and changing the side every game as there is no fluidity between the players, with no real pattern of play. We have to rely on a player doing something individual to score, rather than a team effort.

Marti: All huff with no puff. Thelin says we need a central defender in January, we need someone who can actually find the back of the net. His selections, formation and tactics must be under scrutiny now.

Aberdeen came from behind to draw with Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

Amar Fatah pounced on a Nicky Devlin mistake to open the scoring for the visitors, but when United goalkeeper Dave Richards could only parry a shot clear, Jesper Karlsson fired the equaliser.

Read the full match report.

Give us your thoughts.

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin lamented his side's lack of bite up front as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

"We were controlling the game and then make it so difficult for ourselves," he told Premier Sports. "At some time, we have to stop these soft goals.

"The good thing is that the players try and put a lot of energy into the game and get the equaliser.

"There are some positive things there, but this game, we have to be more stable so we can win when we don't have the perfect day.

"To be fair to them [United], when they scored, they defended well. Even if we are not having a perfect day attacking, we have to do better so we are not chasing the game.

"When we play against this low block, we have to be better. We have to do better with some of the crosses. We were not sharp enough."

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen are without the suspended Dylan Lobban following his red card at Celtic Park. Fellow defenders Gavin Molloy and Kristers Tobers remain absent with knee injuries.

Dundee United have major issues in defence with Ross Graham and Ryan Strain dropping out with groin injuries, Krisztian Keresztes "touch and go" with a calf problem, Iurie Iovu still out with a muscle problem and Luca Stephenson suspended.

Pan Camara is close to a return from a hamstring injury while Isaac Pappoe (knee) and Yevhen Kucherenko (calf) remain out.

Image source, SNS

Emmanuel Gyamfi is eyeing a prolonged run in the Aberdeen team after an injury-hit start to his Pittodrie career.

The 21-year-old has suffered two injuries since arriving from Schalke in the summer but is over the hamstring problem which kept him out most recently and looking to feature against Dundee United on Saturday.

The left-back arrived with good experience in the second tier of both German and Dutch football with Schalke II and loan club VVV-Venlo and is eager to add to his nine Dons appearances.

When asked how he had found the Scottish Premiership, Gyamfi said: "More physical. In Germany it's physical and quick as well but here is really physical so you have to keep up with it.

"What I have learned is to stay strong mentally. I was in and out for a time which was really hard for me but the guys around me cheered me up the whole time so it was quite positive.

"I have come back and I feel good right now. I hope I can get more minutes soon and help the boys out on the pitch and just enjoy the games.

"First I have to prove myself in training sessions and from there on, I hope I can get more minutes."

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Aberdeen's perpetual Parkhead timidity returned last Sunday as their wait for a league victory over Celtic extended to an incredible 27 games, something that was already a record in this fixture's history.

No matter their form, the champions generally have their glad rags on when it comes to games against the Dons and this was no exception.

Quite what was going through Dimitar Mitov's mind when he produced the accident and emergency of all hospital passes to young Dylan Lobban when 1-0 down in first half stoppage time is anyone's guess. It looked all over when David Dickinson flashed the red card at the 20-year-old.

Mitov would go on to partially redeem himself in the second half with some outstanding saves, but it is clear shot-stopping is what he should be left to focus on given the glaring errors in recent times when he has had the ball at his feet.

And yet, despite facing 35 shots, playing with 10 men and barely being able to string more than two passes together, Kenan Bilalovic's goal almost saw the Dons produce an act of pick-pocketing the Artful Dodger would have doffed his cap to.

It didn't turn out that way of course and Aberdeen will have to dust themselves down before welcoming Dundee United to Pittodrie for a festive floodlit battle on Saturday evening.

Bilalovic and the lesser-spotted Kjartan Kjartansson combined for the goal and will surely see more and more game-time from here on. It was Swedish youngster Bilalovic's second goal in two games with both having been relegated to local Aberdeenshire Shield matches while the first team was toiling in Europe.

There is still plenty of the season left for Jimmy Thelin's men to make inroads alongside the small matter of a Scottish Cup title defence.

The game against Jim Goodwin's men is the start of a run that features visits to Hibernian, Falkirk and Rangers in successive games before the Ibrox side arrive in the Granite City in the second of a mouth-watering double-header at the start of 2026.

In-form Raith Rovers then go to Pittodrie in the cup the following Sunday. The next four weeks are huge for Thelin and will set the tone for the rest of their season as he enters the second half of his fabled three-year plan.