The countdown to the Scottish Cup Fourth Round Edinburgh Derby begins in earnest today following the culmination of last night’s SPL matches which saw Hibs record a 1-0 victory over St Johnstone while the Jambo’s succumbed to a 4-0 home loss to Celtic.
Hibees have been performing above expectations this season and see themselves sitting in second spot in the SPL whilst their neighbours currently languish in ninth, the same amount of points the difference between the two city rivals.
The victory over St Johnstone saw Hibs return to winning ways following successive defeats to Dundee and Aberdeen whilst Hearts have won only one match in seven – a 1-0 victory over St Mirren.
With the game likely to be close to a sell out, Derby games are never easy to call, but Hibs will be hoping this is the time to end a shocking recent run of results in the fixture (without a win in 12 games), and gain a bit of redemption for their defeat in the final of the same competition back in May.
Hearts certainly don’t have their problems to seek. There is still considerable uncertainty over their future with HMRC bills, player wage deferrals and winding up orders all hitting the back pages in recent weeks.
However the one thing the Jambo’s do seem to understand is the supporters passion for the Edinburgh Derby which sees them almost always ‘up’ for the occasion whilst Hibs have more often than not failed to show for it.
Pat Fenlon promised improved display’s against the Gorgie side and he found one back in August when his side fought back from a goal down to earn a draw in a match that Hibs were unlucky not to win.
Captain James McPake told the press after that particular game ‘They (Hearts), will never walk over the top of us again.’ Should the remainder of the Hibs squad carry the same attitude on Sunday it may well bring some Sunshine on Leith.
Share this article
Related Articles
