Context and mood at Pittodrie
Aberdeen host Motherwell at Pittodrie Stadium on 18/02/2026 in a Scottish Cup 5th Round tie that arrives with tension already simmering. The fixture has extra spice after the sides met just three days earlier in the Premiership, where Motherwell claimed a 2-0 win. The recent defeat leaves Aberdeen under pressure in front of home fans at Pittodrie Street, a venue that holds 20,866 and where expectations will be high for a response. Referee N. Walsh will oversee the cup tie and both teams know there is little room for error with progression at stake.
Form and recent meetings
Formlines point decisively towards Motherwell. Their last ten outings read like a team in confident rhythm: seven wins, two draws and a single defeat. Recent league results include a gritty 1-1 draw with Rangers and emphatic wins such as 4-0 against Kilmarnock and a 2-0 away victory at Livingston, underlining an effective and consistent unit. Aberdeen’s recent sequence is more troubled — only two wins, one draw and seven defeats in their last ten matches — and they arrive after losses at Kilmarnock (3-0) and Motherwell (2-0). That most-recent head-to-head saw Motherwell open the scoring and see out a 2-0 result, with Per Kristian Bråtveit and Elijah Just standing out in the match report as top performers for their respective sides.
Tactical clues from the numbers
The underlying numbers show a curious contrast. Aberdeen register higher attacking metrics on paper — more total shots and a far higher count in “dangerous attacks” — suggesting they can create chances when in rhythm. Motherwell, though, combine efficiency and defensive solidity; their recent run of clean results and multiple low-scoring victories indicate a side comfortable closing out games. Both teams’ snapshot stats show six shots on target apiece in recent data, but Motherwell’s form and momentum tilt the balance. Betting markets reflect that assessment: bookmakers price Motherwell as favourites at 2.26 (44.25% implied probability), while Aberdeen are out at 3.10 (32.26%), and the draw sits at 3.25.
What to expect and the key angles
Expect a high-stakes clash where Motherwell’s confidence meets Aberdeen’s urgency. Aberdeen will likely push to change the narrative in front of their crowd, using home pressure and attacking intent to force openings. Motherwell, having beaten their hosts recently, will be compact and pragmatic — aiming to frustrate and hit on the counter. Given the recent head-to-head and Motherwell’s superior run of form, the smart play is to back the away side to continue that momentum.
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Betting suggestion Motherwell to win (1X2) at 2.26. This selection aligns with recent form, the decisive 2-0 league victory on 15/02/2026, and bookmaker pricing that still offers reasonable value for a confident away side in this cup tie.
