Twelve months ago, Hearts came off a 100% record in the League Cup group stage to secure a home win over Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen. On Saturday, Aberdeen were the home side, fresh from four straight League Cup wins and Premiership runners-up Hearts were smarting after a heavy aggregate Champions League qualifying loss to Sturm Graz. Would it be the home side that prevailed again to set up a strong domestic charge? Hearts' challenge last term was led by a Scotland international forward in Lawrence Shankland, now skippering Rangers. Aberdeen are now captained by Kevin Nisbet and it was he who settled a dramatic evening at Pittodrie.