Hibernian will host Hearts at Easter Road this evening in what promises to be an exciting first Edinburgh Derby of the season. Both teams have made a strong start in the league, each winning two of their opening three matches, although they have both suffered one defeat as well.
Hearts, after a disappointing loss to Aberdeen on the opening day, have bounced back impressively, securing victories against Dundee United and St. Johnstone. Additionally, they have progressed to the league phase of the Europa Conference League, showcasing their competitive spirit on multiple fronts. Meanwhile, Hibs have also shown resilience, managing wins over Rangers and Dundee following an initial home defeat to Motherwell. However, they narrowly missed out on European qualification, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Gent.
Reflecting on last season, Hearts came agonizingly close to claiming their first league title since 1960. A controversial defeat to Celtic on the final day dashed their hopes, allowing Celtic to retain the title. Hibernian, on the other hand, enjoyed a commendable season, finishing fifth with 57 points, marking back-to-back top-half finishes for the first time in a decade.
Last season featured four encounters between these two rivals, with Hearts winning three of them. Hibs managed to secure a notable 3-2 victory at Easter Road just before the New Year. The final derby of the previous season was particularly significant, as Hearts' victory led many to believe they could challenge the dominance of the Old Firm for the title, although that dream ultimately fell short.
Since then, Hearts have undergone significant changes, with manager Derek McInnes and top scorer Lawrence Shankland leaving the club for Rangers. Despite this, Claudio Braga has remained a key player, continuing to impress with a goal and two assists in his first three league appearances this season.
In terms of team news, Hearts will be missing several key players due to injuries, including Stephen Kingsley and Craig Halkett, both of whom were pivotal in their title challenge last year. Additionally, Ageu, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, and Tom Renaud will also be absent from the squad.
On the other hand, Hibs appear to be in relatively good shape, with only central defender Rocky Bishiri listed as a doubt due to a tendon injury sustained at the end of last season. This could give Hibs a slight edge as they prepare for the derby.
The match is set to kick off at 7:45 PM BST and will be broadcast live on Premier Sports, promising to deliver an electric atmosphere as both teams vie for local bragging rights.
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