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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Why Hibs vs Aberdeen 'El Sackico' has the makings of another cinch blockbuster

It's a crying shame for the blockbuster fixture between Hibs and Aberdeen to have fallen just outside of the Oscar nominations.

El Sackico - as it has been dubbed by fans - would not look an inch out of place alongside this year's nominees given the deep and twisted storyline, ever-evolving drama, and divisive cast.

Forget Elvis, Top Gun or All Quiet on the Western Front. When Hibs and Aberdeen meet it'll be very much more Everything, Everywhere All At Once.

It is perhaps difficult to pinpoint where the height of the drama will unfold with managers in the firing line, pivotal boardroom decisions to be made and serious questions over the supporting cast of players - some of whom could be cut from the script prematurely. (see Kevin Nisbet and Ryan Porteous).

Lee Johnson and Jim Goodwin have played starring roles in Scottish football this season and Saturday has the makings of a highly-anticipated movie - unfortunately, it appears one of them has to flop.

The Hibs boss has faced questions over his position after a ropey first half of the season with Hibs sixth in the league and most recently comfortably dispatched 3-0 by city rivals Hearts. It's a difficult position to come back from - one which almost certainly has to kick-start with triumph over Aberdeen. A loss and there would likely be consequences in line for Johnson.

Rival boss Goodwin finds himself in a similar scenario with Aberdeen just two points ahead in the league in fifth but having crashed out of the Scottish Cup to minnows Darvel in one of the biggest ever upsets - even if it was as foreshadowed as heavily as a cheap jumpscare in a low budget horror flick.

The Pittodrie boss earned a dreaded board backing after the loss but with an immediate improvement demanded from the boardroom.

For what it's worth, Johnson has been somewhat refreshing in his approach to management in the capital. Workplace visits from a sniper, SAS members, and a Red Arrows pilot have only added intrigue to a different style of coaching and learning.

There's absolutely no doubt that in another environment - and backed by improved results - this could be a valuable enterprise. 

It's with regret, however, that Johnson could instead have his next visit be a cleaner to help pack his things from Easter Road unless he can change his side's fortunes sharpish.

Similarly, Jim Goodwin has earned favour for his approachable, honest and blunt approach to all matters Scottish football. 

Success at Alloa and a relatively fruitful stint at St Mirren show the Pittodrie manager has something about him in the dugout.

But there is a growing sense that it won't be a fairytale ending at Aberdeen - even if the club sits in fifth this season having been 10th last year.

When it comes to the Best Director category, there's little chance of Dave Cormack being ousted from providing the most dramatic performances. His latest bow came with a fierce statement on the state of affairs at Aberdeen and the "disastrous" defeat to Darvel. It wasn't so much of a true vote of confidence for Goodwin or a decisive action on the future at the club.

The statement was short and sharp if leaving a hint of a perplexing conclusion altogether relative to a whodunnit.

There wasn't much searching for hidden meaning in the words, however. "Jim has been left in no doubt that the Board and the fans are seeking an immediate response from him and the players," it read.

It was a needed communication from the club - for which they should be credited - but the lack of definitive action one way or the other has left Goodwin in a position with Saturday looking like a predictable cliffhanger and just one mishap away from the board pulling the trigger on another managerial search.

No one wants to see a manager lose their job - or at least that's the theory. But one thing that can be taken from the hype surrounding the meeting of Hibs and Aberdeen on Saturday is that it is another example of Scottish football becoming excited again.

It might be that we are spoilt for choice in Scotland with drama awaiting in just about every pre and post-match press conference, each VAR decision and not to forget the actual match. But El Sackico has transcended the expected excitement (or dread) and intrigue. Even if you don't support Hibs or Aberdeen, you'll almost certainly be keeping track of score updates and refreshing Twitter for any dreaded statement updates later in the day. 

In Hollywood, a tale of hero defeating villain is the concrete foundation of a smash-hit family film. On Saturday there are no good guys or bad guys - just two seasoned football professionals hoping to avoid Easter Road becoming their last act.

Everyone will be watching, every scene reduced to its granular impact on the eventual conclusion - but much like on the big screen, you don't always get the ending you want.

Some say scripts like this could only be written in a movie; Scottish football - and the latest installment of the drama of the cinch - begs to differ. 

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