Hibs enter the fifth capital Derby of the season looking for a turnaround in recent fortunes as they play host to their city rivals.
Certainly the Hibees don’t have their problems to seek as they entertain Gary Locke’s outfit as they head into the match in a state of trepidation on the back of the current league run of one win in 14 Scottish Premiership matches.
Also fresh in both fan and players minds will be the 2-0 defeat against the same opposition little over a month ago when Terry Butcher’s men put in a woeful display when they had a once in a lifetime chance to confirm the relegation of the Tynecastle club.
The Gorgie outfit are back to their big time charlie selves having shrugged off £30 million worth of debt after Edinburgh businesswoman, Ann Budge, saw her CVA offer approved thanks to BDO’s sterling efforts in having prime Edinburgh real estate valued at around 10% of it’s actual worth.
With 3 wins out of 4 in the league, Hearts are certainly confident of heaping more misery on the Easter Road faithful who have witnessed some horror shows from their favourites over the past few months.
Last weekend saw them defeated 2-0 by ten man St Mirren in a match where once again a large travelling support were let down by the men in green and white.
Vital Quotes:
Terry Butcher is hoping the demoralised fans can continue to encourage his side in the final few games with Hibs sitting just ahead of the relegation play off spot.
He said “We`ve had a magnificent support all season, we know they`ll back us. But we need everyone to be together now. We have to work hard together as a team, a squad, a club, everything. There`s no doubt the supporters can play a big part. It`s been a wretched season for them but now it`s all about the next four games.”
Hibernian Team News:
Hibs welcome back Ryan McGivern after his suspension against St Mirren whilst former skipper James McPake is looking for a recall after completing 90 minutes in a midweek under 20’s match against Dunfermline.
Scott Robertson has returned to training although with no match practice under his belt it’s difficult to see a place in the squad for him.
Paul Heffernan and Paul Hanlon have already been ruled out for the season by injury.
Player to watch: Jason Cummings
The youngster was one of the few positives to emerge from the St Mirren defeat but looked lively after replacing the ridiculously out of sorts James Collins.
Should be a certain starter.
Hearts Team News:
Jamie Hamill is suspended for Hearts after his idiotic actions last week which saw him run into Ross County manager Derek Adams as he celebrated his penalty strike.
Scott Robinson (no, not the neighbours one) is likely to replace him.
Player to watch: Danny Wilson
Has had a decent season despite all the off field problems besetting the Jambo’s.
Match Facts & Stats
Hearts have amassed 6 points against Hibs this season and also won 1-0 at Easter Road in the League Cup which was the trigger for Pat Fenlon to leave the club.
Hibs have registered just the one success – a 2-1 victory at New Year with goals from Liam Craig and James Collins.
Ref Watch:
Bobby Madden takes charge of the game and had a decent game during the aforementioned New Year fixture.
Hopefully he’s on form so Hibs aren’t left reeling from major decisions such as in the last encounter when Jordan Forster saw his perfectly good header ruled out for offside despite being around two yards on.
Match Prediction:
Hibs record in Derbies is woeful. Hearts are somewhat ridiculously priced at 7/2 with BET 365 so you’d have thought the home side must be favourites?
There’s barely one confident Hibs supporter around.
Vital Hibs predict a scrappy game with one goal in it either way – so 1-0 to the Hibees.
Next Fixtures:
Partick Thistle are the visitors to Easter Road next Saturday – in a rare 3pm kick off.
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