Hibernian vs Hearts Predictions
Hibernian take on Hearts with both Edinburgh rivals looking to secure a third successive Premiership victory.
Both teams like to get on the front foot, and a compelling contest should see BTTS land at Easter Road.
I have my stake on BTTS, while we should also see at least three goals scored, with the Jambos a good bet to score two or more.
Goals Expected in Edinburgh
- Hibernian have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 8 home matches
- Hibernian have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 6 matches against Hearts
- Hearts have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 8 matches
- Hearts scored 2+ goals in 5 of their last 6 matches
Hearts Hold Recent Derby Advantage
Hibernian and Hearts have met on 21 occasions since 2020. Hearts won ten of those contests, Hibernian claimed four victories, while seven matches finished level.
Hearts have enjoyed the better of recent meetings, winning three of the last four Edinburgh derbies, including a 2-1 win at Easter Road in April.
Hibs Bounce Back at Dundee
Hibernian return to Easter Road after a well-deserved 2-1 Premiership victory at Dundee on Sunday.
Martin Boyle fired David Gray’s side ahead midway through the first half before Callum Wright doubled their advantage after the hour.
Joe Westley’s late strike for the Dark Blues proved consolation only as the Hibees held on to claim the points at Dens Park.
Sunday’s positive result came on the back of a painful Conference League exit against Gent three days earlier.
Leading 2-1 in the second half, Hibs looked set to reach the league phase, but two late goals at Easter Road condemned David Gray’s side to a painful 3-2 home defeat.
Gray’s side have made a solid start to their Premiership campaign. After losing 2-1 against Motherwell on the opening weekend, Hibs secured impressive 2-1 away victories against Rangers and Dundee.
Since their Motherwell reversal, Hibs have won four matches, with the defeat against Gent their only setback in that period.
A lack of form at Easter Road is a concern, though. Hibs lost each of their last four Premiership games in Edinburgh.
Hearts Extend Impressive Unbeaten Run
Hearts make the short trip to Easter Road after securing a 2-1 home victory against St Johnstone on Saturday.
James Wilson opened the scoring inside ten minutes before an Enes Alic own goal doubled the Jambos’ advantage. Ruari Paton replied shortly after the restart, but Wouter Vrancken’s men held on despite coming under some serious pressure in the second half.
Potentially fatigued from a dramatic Conference League win in Austria three days earlier, the Jambos struggled to impose themselves in the second period.
St Johnstone enjoyed more possession after the break (58%-42%) and posted a higher xG of 1.09 compared with Hearts’ 0.24.
The in-form visitors are now unbeaten in six matches with 17 goals scored in that period. Hearts scored 2+ goals in five of those fixtures, including a pair of 2-2 draws against Rapid Vienna.
While impressive in the forward areas, Vrancken’s side have kept just one clean sheet in ten games played this season.
Before their impressive uptick in form, Vrancken had lost his first four matches in the Hearts hot seat, with 14 goals conceded.
Hibernian vs Hearts Team News
Hibernian: (4-2-3-1) Raphael Sallinger; Felix Passlack, Jason Kerr, Grant Hanley, Jordan Obita; Josh Mulligan, Josh Devaney; Martin Boyle, Jamie McGrath, Callum Wright; Nikolay Lowe
Head coach Gray could retain the same XI that started Sunday’s victory at Dundee. Martin Boyle, Jamie McGrath and Nikolay Lowe are all expected to feature for the home side.
Rocky Bushiri remains sidelined with an Achilles injury.
Gray was delighted with the way his players responded to their European disappointment, praising both their performance and ability to see out the victory.
“Usually, people say we’re looking for a reaction after a disappointing result. It was more about maintaining our standards.
“The players were outstanding, given the disappointment and everything that went into Thursday night (losing to Gent). As a group, I thought we were outstanding and fully deserved the win.
“That’s certainly the right way to bounce back.”
Hearts: (4-2-3-1) Beau Reus; Christian Borchgrevink, Oisin McEntee, Stuart Findlay, Jordi Altena; Tomas Magnusson, Laurent Mendy; Sabah Kerjota, Claudio Braga, Josh McPake; James Wilson
Hearts have five expected absentees for Thursday’s Edinburgh derby contest. Summer signing Tom Renaud is ruled out with an ankle injury suffered against Rapid Vienna.
Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley, Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Ageu are also expected to remain sidelined.
Scottish forward James Wilson should retain his place in attack after scoring his third goal in four appearances against St Johnstone.
Vrancken admitted fatigue played a part in Hearts’ second-half display against the Saints, but was pleased with the way his side battled to secure all three points.
“Relieved. The most important thing today is the three points. We knew for some guys, who played 120 minutes, it would be difficult.
“The way the first half was going, there was no problem. We were good in the game, but had to score more in the first half and kill the game. This is the most important thing.
“The second half was okay, but we had to fight, and we felt the fatigue more. Not just physically but mentally. We had to fight together for the result.”