SIX of the last seven meetings of the Edinburgh rivals have brought up under 2.5 goals with the exception being the 5-1 Scottish Cup Final.
This season Hearts have only scored more than one goal twice and of them was a 3-3 draw with Queen of the South in the League Cup.
Eight out of 12 of Hibs' games this season have gone under 2.5 goals with the only high scorer being a 5-3 success against Stranraer in their last cup clash.
Not surprisingly only one goal – in favour of the Jambos – was produced when the pair met at Tynecastle at the start of the season.
So the best bet in tonight's League Cup encounter at Easter Road must be under 2.5 goals at 4-6 with Ladbrokes.
Four of the last five encounters have actually gone under 1.5 goals and that pays a best 85-40 at Stan James.
Hibs have recovered well from that 1-0 defeat and are 21-20 at Paddy Power to gain revenge. Hearts, who now trail their neighbours by 22 points, are 31-10 with McBookie.com while the draw pays 12-5 (various).
The lack of firepower of both sides is highlighted by the fact Hibs' joint top scorers are Paul Heffernan and Liam Craig on three and for Hearts it's Jamie Walker and Callum Paterson on two – one fewer than Luis Saurez netted against West Brom at the weekend.
Heffernan is cup-tied and therefore Craig represents value at 18-5 with McBookie.com to net at anytime. To score first Craig is 10-1.
Elsewhere St Johnstone should win at Morton and are a best 4-6 with the likes of Betfred and Ladbrokes. Top scorer Stevie May netted three times for Hamilton in two games against the Greenock men last season and is 4-1 at Ladbrokes to break the deadlock.
Motherwell are a best 13-8 with McBookie.com ahead of a tough clash against an Aberdeen side who are up to second in the Premiership after winning at Hibs. The Dons have won on three of their last five trips to Fir Park and are a biggest 19-10 at boylesports to do so again.
However, best bet could be both teams to score at 10-11 at William Hill in what promises to be a cracking cup clash.
Recommended Bets
Hibs v Hearts under 2.5 goals
(4-6, Ladbrokes)
Craig to score
(18-5, McBookie.com)
Well v Dons btts
(10-11, William Hill)
May to score first
(4-1, Ladbrokes)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Paul Heffernan is cup tied so ineligible to play which makes Craig very good value for first goal too.
Chris, I noticed that when reading the paper this morning. Didn’t see it in team news earlier. Craig for me is worth a look, no banker though of course. Defoe’s a better bet if he starts against Hull.
Not entirely sure if I am looking at this wrong – i’ve never used the McBookie website before – but I think you are currently getting 18/5 on Craig to score anytime.
MiniDuff, if it’s 18-5 at VC it will be 18-5 at McBookie. My 2-1 quote was from yesterday afternoon when I had a Record deadline.
MiniDuff that night be right. Going by Mr Fixits typos he might have had a few beers last night lol. He is 18/5 anytime with VC.
Chris, no beers just tired after a long day. Will have another look at it.
Honestly can’t see past a Hearts win today. Hearts are just under 4/1 with Paddy power, Wow. Both teams in bad form, hibs slightly the better, but Hearts always raise their game for derbies, and the expectation is always that they win.
Hibs home form is absolutely dreadful, but then again so is Heart’s, however it is only a short trip across town to Hibs stadium where they have only lost once in the last 4 years.
Add to that the fact Hearts beat Hibs 1-0 in the first derby of the season also.
4/1 is an absolute steal, and I would jump on the wagon quickly as those odds will surely shorten as KO time closes in.
Hearts win and under 2.5 best bets.
James, praying we can do it tonight but even a poor Hibs side has to be favourites against what I see as a Hearts team losing belief in itself. I’m going to the game but sooner we get control of the club and start rebuilding, the better for all. My personal opinion is Gary Locke just isn’t the man for us. Jim Jeffries would get 100% backing from all Jambos.
James, I know what you’re saying about Hearts’ derby record. But can they win at Easter Road with such a young side and very few goals in the team? Hearts on the double chance would be a better bet for you as there must be a chance of extra time.
Chris/Mini Duff, Craig is 11/2 Hibs FGS with McBookie
Dougie Craig is 10/1 to score first with VC
Craig thanks I d’ont have a VC Acc but took it at McBookie 19/2fgs and 11/2first Hibs gs
Sorry Chris getting my Craigs,Chris,chiefs,mixed up At least wont mix up Raaljaca with anyone Thanks again
Unless my cousin ralljaca posts on here or my uncle raaljaaca!
Mr F,
mentioned Paddy Power cashback on £5 acca on Saturday if bet goes down, needless to say one team lost,Newcastle,my free bet is on L.Craig anytime scorer 11/4 at Paddy.
Are there any Scottish Cup ties on BBC Scotland later tonight?
John, Hibs v Hearts is live on BBC1 Scotland at 7pm.