Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is convinced Hibernian will be one of the Dons’ main challengers as they bid for a fourth consecutive top two finish this season.
The sides meet in the top flight for the first time since 2014 following Hibernian’s return to the Scottish Premiership after three years in the Championship.
But McInnes believes Neil Lennon’s side are capable of pushing for European qualification on their first season back in the top flight.
Ahead of today’s meeting at Easter Road, McInnes said: “I don’t know what Neil has said but publically but on the evidence of what I have seen from Hibs they will be up there challenging at the top end and fighting for honours.
“Sometimes clubs need to take a step back to go forward again.
“For a long time when they were in the Scottish Premiership, Hibs weren’t really doing much of anything.
“They were outside the top six for a number of years and sometimes it takes a club to go down and come up with that momentum.
“It is clear that the momentum is there and the club is going the right way.
“You see how happy Neil is at the club and there are similarities as to how happy I am here as well.
“He has got a club moving the right way and for him he looks happy with his work and he has assembled a good squad and he will have high expectations this season.
“The fact they can go to Ibrox and win and go to Parkhead and give a brilliant account of themselves to get a draw shows they are a good team.
“I watched their 2-2 draw with Celtic and they were excellent.
“They have attacked the league very confidently and very bullish-like, much in the mindset of their manager really.
“He will be pleased with what he has given them so far and he will be expecting a lot of them this season.”
Andrew Considine could feature for the Dons this afternoon despite fracturing his wrist last month but Greg Tansey will miss out following groin surgery.
McInnes added: “Andy will have to play with some sort of light cast but we feel he is good to go.
“Greg Tansey has been excellent in terms of his rehabilitation.
“This game will come too quick for him but hopefully he will be touch and go for our upcoming matches against Celtic and Ross County.”