The Dons have a 100% record this season and want to extend that when the Jambos rock up to Pittodrie on Saturday night
18:00, 28 Jul 2026
Nesta Guinness-Walker is out to help Aberdeen make a statement win in their Premiership opener against Hearts.
The new-look Dons kick-off their campaign against the Jambos at home on Saturday night.
Hearts, although much-changed, finished second in the title race last season.
Guinness-Walker knows a home win could set the tone for the new campaign in the Granite City.
The omens are good because this is a fixture that has normally gone with the home team.
The left-back said: "Of course, I think that's what's been good about the Premier Sports Cup is that we've got the wins so far and although they've been tough games, but we're definitely building some momentum leading into the league campaign.
"You want to start strong and every game at Pittodrie is a game you want to win and you want to be competing for, so that game will be no different for us.
“We'll go out there and attack the game and try and start off the season with three points.
“I think that's got to be our objective, looking at that to start the season with, making a statement that we're going to be competing and we're going to be better off than we were last season.”
Aberdeen struggled baldy in the bottom six last season and the new boy is aiming much higher.
Guinness-Walker accepted: "I think it's difficult to try and put an exact aim of the season, but I think we need to improve.
"I think we should be competing and there's an expectancy at Aberdeen to be competing for silverware and finishing high up on the table.
“I think we'll have to embrace that and take it game by game and improve as a group and try and win as many football games as possible.”
There is an expectancy when you pull on an Aberdeen shirt and it is one Guinness-Walker knows he can shoulder.
The former Chelsea and Spurs youngster claimed: "I think for me I just try and focus on game by game and performing at my best every time I get the chance to put the shirt on.
"But I think as a group there's a real expectancy at the club to achieve and be competing and I think you have to embrace that and that's what we should be doing this year - is competing.
"I think last year we all know it was a bit below par and this is the chance to put it right and improve this year.
"I think that was something that drew me to the club. I thrive under that pressure.
"I think it's a blessing and a privilege to have that type of pressure to go out there and achieve and perform.
"I want to have that pressure, I want to have that expectancy from the fans and in the building and from each other as teammates to perform and do well.”
The former Northampton player, signed by Stephen Robinson earlier this month, also wants to offer a two-pronged approach, in terms of offering a defensive and attacking intent.
The 26-year-old said: "Yeah, obviously the time schedule is a bit different from England so that was a bit of an adjustment period for myself, but I'm a good professional.
“I keep myself in good shape and things like that, so even though I am playing a little bit of catch-up in terms of fitness I feel strong.
"I feel ready and as a footballer that's all you want is to get the games coming thick and fast and playing for three points is even better.
"For me as a player I pride myself on energy and getting up and down the pitch.
"Yes, definitely. Your defensive duties come first, being a defender.
"But the way the modern game is going, assists and goals are something that's massive for every position.
"That's something that I set myself targets for and to be involved going forward and making things happen.
"I always want the ball and try and create things and try and get the fans off their feet so hopefully I can bring that to Aberdeen this year.”