Robbie Neilson has labelled this coming week as 'huge' for Hearts.
The Jambos kick-off two massive games with a showdown with Aberdeen under the lights at Tynecastle in a blockbuster match in the race for third spot. The Gorgie side know victory over Jim Goodwin's men would create a nine point gap between the two while they could also move further ahead of Livingston, currently four points behind them in fourth, depending on the outcome of their match with Dundee United.
Focus after tonight's game swiftly turns to the Scottish Cup with Hearts making the short trip across Edinburgh to face city rivals Hibs in a derby showdown. The two sides met a couple of weeks ago to kick off 2023 with Neilson and Co hammering Lee Johnson's men 3-0 at Tynecastle. But the Jambos boss has his eye on Aberdeen tonight and knows his side face a tough game in front of a full house. Hearts are unbeaten in their last six Premiership outings and will be hoping to make that seven and hand their top three and European football hopes for next season a massive boost.
READ MORE: Hearts vs Aberdeen on TV: Channel, kick-off time and live stream details for Premiership clash
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Speaking about the challenge they face against the Dons, he told Hearts' official website: “It's huge, as every game is. It’s a culmination of games and points that you get to get to that stage but playing against Aberdeen who, from the outside, are probably our biggest rivals for that third position, and then going into the derby as well is huge for us.
“It’s really important that we have a good week.
“It’s still a huge test. We were up there earlier in the season and we got beat 2-0, and rightly so. I think Aberdeen played very well that day and made it difficult for us.
“No matter what’s happened at the weekend there with them, it’s still coming into a huge game. It’ll be a full house, a tough game but one which we’re very much looking forward to.”
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