THE William Hill Premiership kicks off in Scotland this coming weekend and William Hill News take a look at Aberdeen’s clash with Hearts of Midlothian in this preview ahead of Saturday’s contest.
As always, the Glasgow ‘Old Firm’ of Celtic and Rangers lead the way in attracting betting interest. But don’t forget Hearts went so close to clinching the title last season for the first time beyond 1959/60.
Here, Tony Incenzo takes a look at Saturday’s fixture and assesses who will come out on top as Aberdeen welcome Hearts to Pittodrie Stadium on the opening weekend of the William Hill Premiership campaign.
Aberdeen v Heart of Midlothian
- Pittodrie Stadium
- Kick-off: 5.30pm
Aberdeen preview
- Final position last season: 9th
I’m expecting improved fortunes at Aberdeen sparked by a first full campaign in the dug-out for head coach Stephen Robinson.
He was appointed on 12th March having guided previous club St Mirren to three consecutive top six finishes plus League Cup glory beating Celtic 3-1 in the Final last December at Hampden.
Heart of Midlothian preview
- Final position last season: 2nd
Dramatically pipped at the post on 2025/26 season’s explosive concluding day. They only required a draw at Parkhead to be crowned champions but Celtic edged past the Edinburgh club courtesy of a 3-1 triumph.
I don’t feel Hearts will be as strong this season following the loss of boss Derek McInnes and talisman striker Lawrence Shankland – both to Rangers.
New head coach Wouter Vrancken from Belgium was installed on 25th June and possesses no experience of Scottish football. However, Vrancken confidently said: “I want to fully compete with Celtic and Rangers for the title.”
Aberdeen v Hearts score prediction: Dons in the ascendency 1-0.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
