Hearts and Hibs have both had their challenges this season but could now challenge each other for European places.
The Edinburgh rivals both started the season horrendously and were trading places at the very foot of the Premiership for a number of weeks.
But Jambos boss Neil Critchley has them on an upward trajectory after taking over in October while David Gray has brought an upturn in results across the city after switching to a 3-5-2 system.
Critchley has even had a manager of the year shout with the chance of going down in history if he can take his side to third and Scottish Cup success.
He is now not the only one being mentioned in such discussions.
James Penrice and Nicky Cadden Player of the Year candidates
James Penrice has been Hearts‘ signing of last summer and best player this season, his recent form along with Blair Spittal resulting in Steven Naismith being criticised for his previous use of them.
In Leith, the likes of Martin Boyle have been key to their resurgence but Nicky Cadden has also been a standout with goals and assists from the left hand side.
And Jambos legend John Robertson has highlighted both in a discussion around the Premiership’s player of the season.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, he said: “I have noted down a few. Nicky Cadden has been terrific for Hibs, a big boost for them.
“James Penrice at Hearts has had a terrific season as well, struck up a really good partnership with Blair Spittal. He has done very, very well. “
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 25 | 21 | 3 | 1 | 73 | 12 | 61 | 66 |
| 2 |  RangersRangers | 25 | 16 | 5 | 4 | 51 | 19 | 32 | 53 |
| 3 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 25 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 32 | 28 | 4 | 37 |
| 4 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 25 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 32 | 38 | -6 | 35 |
| 5 |  HibernianHibernian | 25 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 37 | 37 | 0 | 33 |
| 6 |  MotherwellMotherwell | 25 | 9 | 4 | 12 | 30 | 42 | -12 | 31 |
| 7 |  Heart Of MidlothianHeart Of Midlothian | 25 | 8 | 6 | 11 | 34 | 33 | 1 | 30 |
Hearts duo Kabangu and Nieuwenhof mentioned
Hearts January signing Elton Kabangu has started on fire with five goals in four appearances, just three starts.
So he could also come into the conversation, while Robertson also things the returning Calem Nieuwenhof could have a big part to play.
Asked about Kabangu, he added: “It could be. He’s started out on fire.
“The first game up at Brechin where he got a couple of goals, you are thinking ‘well it’s only Brechin, what is he like?’ He’s started off really well and he got a double against Dundee last week. I think he could be another one.
“You are looking for players in the transfer window to hit the ground running. There’s no doubt for Hearts to do that and will be looking for others, Calem Nieuwenhof coming back from injury. He could have a big part to play.”