THEY say the form book goes out the window in a derby and Hibernian will certainly be hoping that's the case as they head across Edinburgh to face a Heart of Midlothian side who have slipped back into top gear.
Juggling a European group campaign with domestic fixtures proved tricky for Hearts in the first half of the season, with Robbie Neilson's squad stretched to the limit due to injuries.
But the poor form of rivals such as Aberdeen and Hibernian stopped the Jambos from losing ground in the race for third place behind the Old Firm.
With players coming back from injury and no European games on the horizon, it looks like Heart of Midlothian will now finish rest of the best again, with a thrilling 3-2 win at St Johnstone on Wednesday sending them back into third.
I went for goals in that match on a night when all five of my Premiership tips landed and there should be more thrills when Hibs come calling.
After a horror run of seven defeats in eight games, Hibees boss Lee Johnson at least got to enjoy his Christmas dinner as Hibernian ended their slump with a 4-0 win over Livingston on December 24.
But the pressure was piled back on the Englishman just four days later as rampant Celtic battered them 4-0 at Easter Road in another profitable game for me.
Johnson's side caused the Hoops some early headaches and offered a threat but dismal defending cost them once more and they will need to tighten up to stand any chance of winning the derby.
How the bookies view it
I'm surprised to see Hearts as big as 6/5 with Unibet, although the loss of keeper Craig Gordon and other key players to injury does make them more vulnerable. Hibernian's best price is 11/5 at BoyleSports while the draw pays 27/10 with SBK.
Recent head to head
Heart of Midlothian have held the bragging rights of late in the capital, going seven derbies without defeat. Four of those matches have ended in victories for the Jambos and they would have added another to that tally had Martin Boyle not scored a last-gasp leveller at Easter Road earlier this season.
Players to watch
Lawrence Shankland announced himself to the Hearts fans with a derby goal back in August and hasn't looked back since, netting 16 for the season so far. The Scotland striker has scored four times in his last three outings and appeals at 6/4 with Unibet for anytime scorer.
Kevin Nisbet's return from injury is a big boost for Hibernian and he has netted twice in just three outings. The former Dunfermline striker is 5/2 with Paddy Power for another goal in the derby.
Anything else catch the eye?
Cards are always a good option in this derby and it's the first time VAR has been used in this fixture. That could see some fierce challenges being upgraded from yellows into red so a sending-off could be worth a punt, although I've yet to see a price for that.
Prices are available for individual cards though, with Hibs midfielder Joe Newell looking good value at 13/8 with Bet365. He'll be in a battle with Cammy Devlin and the all-action Hearts star is 5/4 with the same firm for a card.
The presence of VAR also increases the chances of a penalty being awarded and we saw three spot-kicks when Hearts beat St Johnstone in midweek. Another penalty in the derby is priced 9/4 at Unibet.
Neither side has been solid in defence this season and that's why BTTS is just 7/10 at Unibet. Over 2.5 goals is a bit better and that pays 17/20 with the same firm.
This Scottish Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian will be played on Jan 2, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Heart of Midlothian vs Hibernian prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
