With five fixtures taking place last night, the Edinburgh Derby stands on its own tonight as Hearts travel to Easter Road.
The Edinburgh Derby wasn’t short of drama last season. In the four meetings last year, Hearts scored three late winners and nearly scored a late equaliser from three goals down in the other derby at Easter Road. The final derby of last season saw Hearts win 2-1 at Easter Road against a 9-man Hibs side as Blair Spittal netted a late winner.
Hibs currently sit fifth in the table, with Hearts in third, but only goal difference separates the two. Both sides are coming into the match on the back of 2-1 wins at the weekend as Hearts defeated newly promoted St. Johnstone at Tynecastle, whilst Hibs were victorious away to Dundee.
Prior to the match, Hibs manager David Gray noted how Hibs must pick up where they left off, he said: “We need to maintain our standards.
“It’s something we spoke about going into the Dundee game, that the standards we set ourselves have been really high. That’s the level we’re setting now.
“We want to try and be as consistent as we can with that.
“If we can do that, we know we’re a very good side, as we demonstrated at the weekend.
“This week, you’ve got the added incentive of it being a Derby. I think we are going into it in a really good place, and we have to take all the confidence from that.
“The players should certainly be looking forward to it, because I am, because of where we are as a group.
“We’re all very much aware of the expectation and what that means to the supporters of the game, so you need to contend with that, but keep that discipline as well within that.”
Speaking ahead of his first Edinburgh Derby, Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken discussed the frequency of the fixture, he said: “I think it’s nice games all the time as long as the emotion stays around the game and there is no violence. Because sometimes in Belgium it was a little bit next to the pitch. A little bit too far in emotions there. So I think this is important.
“And then they are good games. Everybody supporting their own colour, their own badge. This is a nice thing about football. Everybody looks forward to those games and is excited to play those games, or the coach.
“You know that you have to be there directly, with your full focus and energy. But also be above the emotions to play your game and don’t get dragged into the emotions.”
Team news:
David Gray has confirmed Adam Mayor will be available for selection once more after missing the weekend’s win at Dens Park, This could free-up Jamie McGrath who played left wing-back on Sunday. Nicky Cadden and Owen Elding are confirmed to miss this one whilst Rocky Bushiri is a long-term absentee. Warren O’Hora’s departure yesterday could leave Hibs light at the back, with new centre-back Marko Ivesić only signing yesterday.
For Hearts, Vrancken has confirmed Harry Milne is available again after missing the last few weeks with injury whilst Craig Halkett still faces a lengthy time on the sideline. The Tynecastle boss has also stated he expects Claudio Braga to remain at the club past the 5pm transfer deadline.
Players to watch:
Martin Boyle: The Australian international will likely wear the armband for Hibs tonight, and has proven to be a big game player over the years. Boyle has netted 5 Edinburgh Derby goals for Hibs, including in the last meeting. The striker netted his third goal of the season by scoring the opener against Dundee on Sunday.
Calvin Miller: Hearts’ new winger has been in fine form since arriving from Falkirk. Despite a brief spell at left-back, Miller has netted 4-times for Hearts this season as he looks to make the right-wing spot his own, whilst also chasing down a Scotland call-up.
One of Scotland’s best fixtures kicks off at 19:45 tonight in front of a sold-out Easter Road.