Aberdeen FC must win away at a Premiership side for the first time in nine months to progress in the Premier Sports Cup, with manager Stephen Robinson acknowledging the pressure that comes with poor results. His side, currently 10th in the league with just four points from five games, travel to face a Hibernian team whose manager David Gray is also facing questions from supporters.
Robinson described his squad as "tired" and "lethargic" after a 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock last weekend, a result that extended their winless run on the road. The Dons have not beaten a top-flight opponent away from home since last December, a record they must break at Easter Road to reach the semi-finals. "You get criticism when you don’t win football matches," Robinson said. "You have to be big enough to take that, strong enough to take that and try to make sure it doesn’t happen again."
Away woes continue
The Kilmarnock stalemate was characteristic of Aberdeen's struggles this season, where they have scored only two league goals while conceding seven. Their recent form reads one win, one draw and three losses, leaving them 14 points adrift of leaders Celtic. Robinson arrived in March but the team's away performances have shown little sign of improvement, a concern ahead of three consecutive away fixtures against Kilmarnock, Motherwell and Hibernian within a week. The manager insists the desire to turn the tide is there. "The boys are extremely determined to progress in the cup and change the outlook," he told reporters.
Hibs' own scrutiny
Opposite number David Gray is no stranger to pressure, having previously guided Hibs on a 17-match unbeaten run to a third-place finish. This season has been more challenging, with a loss to St Johnstone last weekend adding to fan frustration. Gray, now in his third season in charge, said he understands the quicker timeline for criticism. "I was in a different situation then," he said yesterday. "I’m two years down the line going into my third season so it’s a very different way of looking at it than me just being in the door as a first-time manager." He added that he is not put off by the scrutiny, stating, "I’m not averse to criticism, I’m not shying away from it."
Squad challenges and context
Aberdeen's summer saw significant turnover with 14 new signings, and injuries have further tested Robinson's options. The club's injuries page lists Bradley Lyons, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Kristers Tobers and Kusini Yengi as currently sidelined. The cup tie offers a chance to reset ahead of a key league run, with the next Premiership fixture a home game against fifth-placed Motherwell on 30 December. Fans can track the team's schedule on the official fixtures page.
For Hibernian, the match follows a 2-0 win over Dundee United and a Europa Conference League outing against Gent, but also a disappointing derby loss where Jack Iredale was sent off. Both managers know a Hampden spot is the only result that will ease the growing discontent. Aberdeen's last victory over a top-tier side on the road was a 2-1 win at Heart of Midlothian on the opening day of the season, 1 August.
