Edinburgh derby preview — Hearts vs Hibs in numbers
When Edinburgh’s rivals meet at Tynecastle on Saturday, Hearts will look to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while Hibernian chase a rare third successive derby win — something they have not achieved for more than a century.
League form
Both clubs remain unbeaten in league play so far this season, but their records differ sharply. Hearts have five wins and one draw; Hibs have one win and five draws. Hearts have scored 15 league goals to Hibs’ 10.
Recent derby meetings
Last season Hibs enjoyed the edge, winning two derbies and drawing the third as they finished third in the league. The visitors are unbeaten in four of the most recent contests and have lost only once in the last eight meetings.
Key match stats
- Attempts: Hearts 94 – Hibs 89
- Shots on target: Hearts 38 – Hibs 34 (Hibs had been ahead on these measures before last weekend)
- Touches in opposition box: Hearts 200 – Hibs 159
- Set-piece goals: Hearts have scored from corners four times and from free-kicks twice — double Hibs’ output.
Managers and personal records
Derek McInnes has not lost in 90 minutes since taking charge at Hearts; his only setback in 11 games was a League Cup defeat on penalties to St Mirren. This will be McInnes’s first Edinburgh derby as Hearts head coach, but he brings a positive record against Hibs from his time at St Johnstone, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock — 18 wins from 39 meetings, with 10 defeats.
McInnes has not beaten Hibs boss David Gray in previous meetings: while managing Kilmarnock last season he recorded two draws and one defeat against Gray’s side. As a manager, Gray went unbeaten in the derby during his debut campaign; as a player he beat his boyhood club three times, lost twice and had a total of 10 derby appearances, only two of which were in the top flight.
What’s at stake
A win for Hearts would open an 11-point gap between the city rivals after seven league games. A Hibs victory would see them complete three consecutive derby wins — a feat last achieved in 1922.
Since the first Edinburgh derby on Christmas Day 1875, Hearts supporters have enjoyed the superior overall record. But, as ever in derby football, recent form and pride will outweigh long-term history when the teams meet at Tynecastle.