HEARTS and Hibs achieved something that they incredibly haven't managed all season – they both won their weekend games.
And they have a Boxing Day battle in an Edinburgh Derby showdown which should dust off the Christmas hangovers at Tynecastle.
It's been a season to forget for both sides with both of them occupying the bottom spot in the league at various stages.
But Hibs' excellent 3-1 win at Aberdeen and Hearts' 2-1 victory against St Johnstone means they are up to the giddy heights of eighth and tenth respectively.
Hibs' return to form has been more impressive than Hearts after three wins in their last four games including victories at Fir Park and Pittodrie.
No one is mentioning David Gray's job prospects anymore which tells its own story, but they are still a long way from where they want to be.
For Hearts, the story is less rosy after their truly dismal European exit last week to a Moldovan glorified pub team. They somehow managed not to qualify for the next stage of the Europa Conference League despite winning their first two games.
That led to fans protests against the board on Sunday and it's a not a happy ship in Gorgie.
How the bookies view it: Layers keep faith in Hearts
Home advantage has presumably led to Hearts being installed as firm favourites here at evens with Boylesports.
Hibs can be backed at 21/10 with the same firm and it's 12/5 for the draw.
Recent head to heads: Nothing between them
There's rarely much in these games and four of the last games have been draws, including a late Hearts equaliser at Easter Road earlier this season.
Hibs have failed to win on their last five trips to Tynecastle.
Players to watch: Boyle's back
Blair Spittal has scored in his last two games now for Hearts and the ex-Motherwell man is good with set pieces too. He is 17/5 with Boylesports.
Martin Boyle was back to his top form against Aberdeen and the Dons couldn't handle him. It's taken some time for the Australian international to reach the heights since he returned to the club, but he's firing on all cylinders now. He is 11/4 to net anytime with Boylesports.
Predicted line-ups:
Hearts are set to be without the injured quartet Gerald Taylor, Calem Nieuwenhof, Stephen Kingsley and Frankie Kent. Boli Baningime is a doubt.
Hibs are without the injured duo Mykola Kukharevych and Kieron Bowie
Hearts: Gordon, Forrester, Oyegoke, Rowles, Penrice, Devlin, Boateng, Musa, Spittal, Shankland, Wilson.
Hibernian: Smith, C Cadden, O'Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, Newell, Triantis, Campbell, N Cadden, Youan, Boyle.
Anything else catch the eye?
The obvious call here is a draw, but there might just be a bit of value in going for a Hibs win at a nice price.
Clearly, backing Hibs over the years has been a quick route to the poor house, but there are plenty of signs they have started to get their act together under Gray.
They look more of a threat with a rejuvenated Boyle and even their defence looks more solid. Hearts seem to be really struggling for goals too.
Hibs managed six corners away at Aberdeen and seven away at Celtic so they can get five or more at Hearts at 19/20 with UniBet.
This Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Hibernian will be played on Dec 26, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Hearts vs Hibernian prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
