Hibernian vs Hearts Match Analysis and Prediction

On Sunday, Hibernian and Hearts meet in the Edinburgh derby. Both clubs have enjoyed strong starts to the new Scottish Premiership campaign with kickoff at 2 pm.

Hearts’ head coach Robbie Neilson will know that expectations are higher this season. While challenging Celtic and Rangers for a spot in the top two isn’t realistic, Neilson knows that being the best of the rest with a similar points total should be the club’s target.

A fast start feels imperative for that to be achieved, and Hearts got up and running with a 2-1 victory over Ross County at Tynecastle last weekend. Alan Forrest and Barrie McKay scored second-half goals for their side, with Jordan White’s effort 11 minutes from time proving to be no more than a consolation.

Neilson will be focusing on the Scottish Premiership and Europa League qualification, but it’s important not to lose sight of domestic matters. Hibs have a trip to Celtic coming up, who are much stronger than them now.

With Lee Johnson at the helm now, Hibs supporters expect better things. They got off to the ideal start with a 1-0 win at St Johnstone, but only after Josh Campbell scored in the 89th minute despite playing with ten men for most of the game.

Hibernian vs Hearts Head to Head

Both sides have 52 games against each other, with hosts taking12 wins while visitors with 23 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:

Home

• Johnstone 0-1 Hibernian
• Hibernian 0-1 Norwich City
• Hibernian 1-1 Greenrock
• Bonnyrigg 1-4 Hibernian

Away

• Hearts 2-1 Ross County
• Hearts 2-1 Stoke City
• Preston North End 2-1 Hearts
• Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Hearts

Hibernian Team News

Although Campbell scored against St Johnstone last weekend, he may have to make do with a spot among the substitutes again this weekend. However, Christian Doidge and Demetri Mitchell are pushing for recalls after featuring during the final quarter versus St Johnstone. Aiden McGeady, Kyule Magennis and Kevin Nisbet all remain on the sidelines.

Hearts Team News

Neilson expects Nathaniel Atkinson to be available for selection after the right wing-back was forced off through illness during Hearts’ match against Ross County. Liam Boyce is an alternative to Lawrence Shankland, but Neilson will consider sticking with the same Hearts XI.

Prediction and Odds

Considering Hearts’ form last season, they should be regarded as marginal favourites in today’s match. However, Hibernian may benefit from their extra match time, leading us to predict a competitive share of the spoils at Easter Road.

• Draw
• Double Chance
• Goals Over 1.5