The third Edinburgh derby of the season is arguably the most important match of the season so far for both sides.
Hibs have an excellent young team and can be devastating on their day, but form has dipped in recent months. Last week’s win saw them close the gap on Hearts to just six points however and the incentive for them to win tomorrow is massive. They will be very dangerous.
Hearts have also struggled to consistently perform in recent times. Under Graham Rix they have managed only three league victories, which came against the SPL’s three bottom clubs. However the return of Rudi Skacel and another sell-out crowd should help to lift the home team.
As ever, a very unpredictable Edinburgh derby in prospect!
Hearts Team News:
New signing Chris Hackett could be thrown straight into the Hearts side tomorrow, especially if Nerijus Barasa fails to recover from injury.
Rudi Skacel returns from suspension but Steven Pressley still has one match to go before he can return.
Michael Pospisil could also face a late fitness test.
Player to watch: Paul Hartley
Was very ineffectual at Rugby Park last week so will be more keen than ever to impress tomorrow. Always a big player in the derby match and has a good recent scoring record in this fixture.
Hibs Team News:
New signing Chris Killen is expected to go straight into the Hibs side. Full-back David Murphy is should be fit.
Player to watch: Derek Riordan
Usually the main goalscoring threat for Hibs, Riordan loves this fixture and without Steven Pressley organising the Hearts defence, he will again be a huge danger.
Previous Meetings
Hearts 4-0 Hibs
Hibs 2-0 Hearts
Ref Watch:
Mike McCurry
Will get absolute dog’s abuse if he reproduces the shocking performance he had when Hearts went to Ibrox. Mind you anyone has to be better than John Underhill who took charge of the previous derby!
Next Fixture:
Hearts V Aberdeen (Scottish Cup 4th Round), 04/02/2006
