'Majority of criticism after Tuesday was way over the top': Journalists' predictions for Hibs v Aberdeen

Craig Fowler: I'm swithering on how to predict this one. Part of me expects Hibs to suffer another humbling loss after the shambles that was Tuesday night. Confidence will have taken a blow, especially in defence where it had previously appeared that Jack Ross had discovered the right formula. Elsewhere, there are question marks over whether the midfield three are suited to playing with each other, whether Lewis Stevenson still has enough in the tank to play left wing-back, and what to do in attack without Marc McNulty. A fully-functioning Derek McInnes side would be in a strong position to turn their opponents over, but this is far from a fully-functioning Aberdeen side. They've won only once in their last nine league games and have only beaten Dumbarton (1-0 thanks to a late penalty) at Pittodrie in 2020. Backing them doesn't fill me with great confidence, but I think they might edge an ugly encounter. Prediction: Aberdeen 1 Hibs 0

Neil McGlade: Where did that Hibs ‘performance’ come from earlier this week? It was completely out of left field and one that has caused much debate among the Easter Road faithful. Both the players and manager came in for stinging criticism, some of it justified but the vast majority way over the top. Nevertheless, the game is done and dusted and it’s now about how Hibs react this weekend. I expect Ross to make changes to his starting XI for the trip to an Aberdeen side, who are definitely there for the taking, irrespective of the derby defeat. If Hibs still harbour ambitions of finishing third then this is a fixture they really have to take all three points from, something I just don’t see them doing. Prediction: Draw.

Anthony Brown: A few weeks ago I’d have fancied Hibs to go to Pittodrie and win but there is a danger that Tuesday’s derby humbling may have removed the wind from their sails. The Easter Road side don’t fare particularly well in Aberdeen at the best of times so it is not hard to imagine this becoming a bit of a test for them on this occasion. Prediction: Aberdeen 1 Hibs 0

Patrick McPartlin: It’s hard to know what you’re going to get with Aberdeen but their home form since the turn of the year hasn’t been great and although they rescued a point midweek against Killie, Sam Cosgrove missed out and is potentially a doubt for this game as well. Hibs will be eager to make amends for a dismal derby showing but they don’t often enjoy the trip to the Granite City. Prediction: A gritty, niggly draw

Mark Atkinson: Just when you think Hibs are about to show serious European credentials, they chuck in a hand grenade to blow up their momentum. That latest sabotage was the derby. Jack Ross will get a reaction out of his team, but Hibs need to find more consistency. Such is their unpredictable nature, it wouldn’t surprise me if they left the north east with something. Aberdeen’s home form is dicey and they are not the force of previous campaigns. Prediction: Aberdeen 2-2 Hibs

Joel Sked: A match which is incredibly tricky to call. Aberdeen are not great but have that ability to make games difficult, especially for Hibs at Pittodrie. Ross' men will need to not lose to stay right in the hunt for European football. His starting line-up will be very interesting following the derby loss. It is a game which could suit the likes of Martin Boyle and Greg Docherty against a relatively slow backline. Prediction: Draw