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Hearts v Aberdeen: Derek McInnes plots another Tynecastle triumph

The Dons won 3-1 against Hearts at Tynecastle earlier this season.
The Dons won 3-1 against Hearts at Tynecastle earlier this season.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes insists his side’s two wins against Hearts this season will count for nothing when the teams meet in this weekend’s Scottish Cup encounter.

The Dons ran out 3-1 winners on their last visit to Tynecastle but McInnes says that victory is immaterial this weekend.

A David Goodwillie double and a superb solo strike from Niall McGinn gave the Dons a commanding half-time lead on their last trip to Gorgie in September.

Igor Rossi pulled one back after the break for the Jambos but the Dons held on for the win that took them five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

McInnes’ Reds also got the better of Hearts in their most recent meeting – a 1-0 win at Pittodrie in a bruising encounter last month.

But the Aberdeen manager believes another high-level performance is required to make it three wins in a row against Robbie Neilson’s men.

He said: “It is certainly going to be a difficult fixture because Hearts are strong at home and used to winning having come up from the Championship last season.

“We produced a good performance the last time we went to Tynecastle.

“Teams know they are going to have to play really well any time they go there. It will be no different this time.

“We have won and lost there in the league in recent times but we don’t dwell too much on what has happened in the past.”

Hearts may have home advantage but the Dons have been in better form.

The Jambos have won only once in seven matches – a 3-2 win against bottom of the table Dundee United – while the Dons are unbeaten in eight.

McInnes added: “We are looking for that complete performance.

“During our current run, we have shown good levels of energy and tempo in our displays. When we play at our pace and tempo we can win games and cause any team problems.

“Different teams set up in different ways and it is important we can find the answers.”

Should the match end in a draw, the tie will be replayed at Pittodrie on Wednesday, January 13.

Meanwhile, the Dons have been linked with a loan move for 6ft 4in Southampton forward Sam Gallagher.

The 20-year-old has just returned to St Mary’s after a loan spell with MK Dons.

Gallagher was capped for Scotland under-19s before switching allegiances to England.