The Edinburgh derby is just a couple of days away and it’s arguably one of the most important in recent memory.
Hearts and Hibs may be clear of the Premiership’s relegation spots at Christmas, but it’s safe to say their seasons have been dire.
Both have won just four league games out of 18 played this season and have failed to deliver positive results on a consistent basis.
However, Hibs seem to be picking up form just at the right time with three wins from their last four and that will give them confidence heading into Thursday’s clash.
Hearts, meanwhile, haven’t been as convincing but Sunday’s win over St Johnstone was crucial and it means they can overtake Hibs in the table on derby day with victory.
Below, Not The Old Firm’s writers deliver their score predictions.
Blair Meikle
It’s not often Hibs head into a derby as the fancied team and their fans will tell you that when they do, it invariably doesn’t end well.
But this time it will be different.
Hibs now look like a functioning team and, despite their win over St Johnstone, Hearts don’t.
The Jambos may have bounced back from their Petrocub disappointment but they still don’t look like a side that will score a lot of goals until they can solve that in January – there is zero creativity and nobody actually sticking it in the net either.
They’ve struggled defensively too and if Hibs stick with their front two of Martin Boyle and Elie Youan, that could cause the home side endless problems.
- Hearts 0-2 Hibs
Gary Kirkpatrick
Recent Edinburgh derbies haven’t exactly been classics. In fact, only five goals have been scored across the last three stretching back to last Christmas.
Hearts and Hibs tend to deliver cagey affairs and this one, I expect, is going to be similar given what’s on the line – both Neil Critchley and David Gray will be desperate not to lose.
Hibs are in better form than their Boxing Day hosts and their attacking prowess are performing just at the right time. Equally, Hearts have been shaky at the back.
But Tynecastle and the atmosphere there on derby day can be a leveller, so I can see Hearts just about earning a point in this one.
- Hearts 1-1 Hibs
Mark Hendry
This week’s Edinburgh derby is as unpredictable a fixture as we’ve had in recent seasons.
It has been an up and down season for both clubs so far with Neil Critchley’s ‘new manager bounce’ not lasting too long.
Hibs’ rookie gaffer David Gray, meanwhile, has taken a wee while to get going but recent results – including a brilliant 3-1 away win at Aberdeen – show he and the club are moving in the right direction.
Facing the Jambos at Tynecastle, though, has never been an easy task and regardless of form or Scottish Premiership league table position, playing in Gorgie brings its own challenges.
I can see it being a high-scoring game between the rivals as the hosts can usually count on captain Lawrence Shankland while Hibs have found their scoring touch of late.
And defensively, neither side have impressed.
I’ve been wrong before and confidence won’t necessarily be soaring in either camp despite recent victories, but I’ll plump for a few goals in this one.
- Hearts 2-3 Hibs