Alex MacQuoid
Edinburgh Derby Carries Extra Weight as Hearts Lead the Way
Saturday’s clash between Hibs and Hearts at Easter Road is more than just another derby. With Hearts sitting six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, this match carries significant weight for both sides.
The rivalry, which began on Christmas Day 1875 with a 1-0 win for Hearts, remains as fierce as ever. Now, 150 years later, Derek McInnes’ side is flying high, leading Hibs by 16 points and sitting comfortably above second-place Celtic.
A victory for Hearts would cap off a remarkable month that has already seen them defeat both Celtic and Rangers. But Hibs, led by forward Martin Boyle, are determined to disrupt their rivals’ title ambitions.
“They’re playing really well, so hats off to them, but it’s up to us to focus on ourselves,” Boyle said. “And obviously we’ll be looking to upset them and get the win.”
The last meeting between the two sides in October ended in drama, with Craig Halkett‘s late winner sparking jubilant celebrations for Hearts. McInnes expects another tightly contested affair.
“For Hearts and Hibs, it’s always the main deal,” McInnes said. “It’s always a big occasion. In the context of our season, we just want to win three points and keep the whole thing going.”
Boyle, who has experienced 22 Edinburgh derbies, is eager to avenge the October defeat.
“Yeah, obviously it hurts, it’s never nice losing a derby,” he admitted. “The celebrations in our faces at the end of the game, it’s obviously things that you remember.”
Hibs have struggled with inconsistency this season but remain just five points behind third-place Motherwell. Boyle believes a win could reignite their campaign.
“We can definitely relight the season,” he said. “It’s a tough game, it doesn’t come any tougher… but it comes down to us on the day.”
Both sides have injury updates ahead of the match. For Hibs, Chris Cadden and Warren O’Hora are in contention to return, while Rudi Molotnikov has resumed training. Hearts will likely have Claudio Braga and Halkett available despite recent knocks.
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Historically, Hibs have struggled to string together consecutive home wins against Hearts, last doing so in 2018. Meanwhile, Hearts are aiming for back-to-back Premiership victories over Hibs for the first time since 2014.
With both teams in contrasting form, this derby promises to be another unforgettable chapter in Scotland’s oldest football rivalry.