The opening Edinburgh derby of the season takes place at Easter Road on Thursday night as Hibs hits Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
These two clubs had contrasting fortunes in Europe last Thursday, as Hibs conceded twice late on to lose 2-3 on aggregate to Gent in their Conference League playoff tie, whilst Hearts prevailed on penalties against Rapid Vienna despite finishing the tie with 10 men.
However, both sides did win 2-1 in the Premiership on Sunday, as David Gray’s men won at Dens Park against Dundee, whilst the Jambos won at home to newly-promoted St Johnstone.
On a similar note, only goal difference separates the pair in the table, with both losing their Premiership opener, before winning each of their next two league outings.
Something will have to change on Thursday night, with Hibs losing their Premiership opener at home, whilst both of Hearts’ victories in the league have come at Tynecastle.
How the bookies view it: Tough one to call
The Bookies are finding it hard to separate these two sides, with Hibs marginal 6/4 favourites given they have home advantage.
Hearts are 17/10 to leave Leith with all three points, whilst the draw is 5/2.
Head to head: Tight encounters last season
Hearts enjoyed Derby’s delight three times last season, including winning the most recent meeting 1-2 at Easter Road at the end of April.
However, the Hibees did defeat their city rivals 3-2 at home the day after Boxing Day.
All four of the Edinburgh derbies last season were settled by a one-goal margin, highlighting how tight these matches can be.
Players to watch: Boyle to bag again against Jambos?
Martin Boyle continues to be Hibs’ talisman as he scored the opener in their 1-2 win at Dundee at the weekend.
The Australian has scored five times against Hearts for the Hibees – including in their most recent meeting at the end of April – and is an appealing 11/10 to Score or Assist.
James Wilson wrote his name in Edinburgh derby folklore in October 2024, as the then 17-year-old came off the bench to score a late equaliser at Easter Road.
The 19-year-old has also scored in three of his last four appearances for the Jam Tarts – including the opener against St Johnstone at the weekend – and is an appealing 9/4 at bet365 to Score Anytime on Thursday night.
Predicted line-ups:
Hibs will be missing the injured Rocky Bushiri, whilst Nicky Cadden, Josh Campbell, Owen Elding and Adam Mayor are doubts.
Hearts will be without Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley, Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Ageu due to injury.
Hibernian: Sallinger, Passlack, Hanley, Kerr, Obita, Wright, Devaney, Boyle, Mulligan, McGrath, Lowe
Hearts: Reus, Altena, Findlay, McEntee, Borchgrevnik, Magnusson, Mendy, Miller, Braga, McPake, Wilson
Anything else catch the eye?
Edinburgh derbies always tend to be watchable affairs, and I reckon there’s a good chance we will see plenty of goal-mouth action at Easter Road on Thursday night.
All three of the Hibees’ Premiership fixtures have seen Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals land, as well as in all four of their league and European fixtures at Easter Road this term.
The Jambos’ 10 fixtures in all competitions have produced an impressive 41 goals – with Over 2.5 Goals landing in eight (80%) of them – whilst seven of their past eight have produced goals at both ends.
What’s more, Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals has landed in each of the last three meetings at Easter Road between these two rivals, and a repeat pays an appealing 11/10 at bet365.
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