Hearts vs Hibernian Predictions

An in-form Hibs side will travel across the city as they are hosted by rivals Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday. Who will take all 3 points?

Despite a season of extremes highs, Hearts have fortunately not sunk too low, despite being out of form for some part of the season. Their midweek fixture against Rangers didn’t end too well, as the Jambos lost 3-0, but they were able to confirm top 6 status prior to the split this weekend.

Rangers went 2-0 up within the first 21 minutes of the game, with goals from Jermaine Defoe and Connor Goldson coming just 5 minutes apart. Things only got worse for the Edinburgh club as Scott Arfield tripled the hosts’ lead, but the visitors were able to contain the result for the rest of the game.

It was only Hearts’ 2^nd defeat in their last 6 games, with the Edinburgh club drawing once against Partick Thistle in the Scottish FA Cup before going on to narrowly beat Dundee 1-0, Partick Thistle 2-1 in their replay, losing to Hamilton and then beating Aberdeen just last week. Moreover, Craig Levein’s side have only lost 5 games this year, drawing 3 times and winning the remaining 7 fixtures.

The other half of Edinburgh have been in fine form these last few months, even more so than Hearts. The appointment of Paul Heckingbottom seems to be paying off, as the Englishman has done so well that he picked up Manager of the Month for March, proof of how much of a positive impact he’s had at the club.

Hibs have played 8 games under the ex-Leeds United boss, and their record is impressive. The Hibees made it to 4 consecutive wins after beating Raith Rovers- under interim manager Eddie May -, Hamilton, Dundee and St Johnstone, ensuring that the club gained enough momentum going into their crucial Scottish FA Cup tie with Celtic at Easter Road.

The Hibees were no match for Celtic, as the Glasgow club handed Heckingbottom his first and only defeat. Hibs have since drawn 1-1 with Rangers, beaten Motherwell 2-0, Livingston 2-1 and then drawing with Kilmarnock during the week and confirming their place in the top 6.

Hibs have been in incredible form over the last few weeks, but, as with any derby, there are no clear victors. Hearts could use a win to get back on track once again before facing the post-split fixtures, and they could do so, especially with the home advantage. But it won’t be an easy task for either side, as their recent meetings have always proven to be tough, cagey and physical. We’re going to back a draw here, with a final score of 1-1 at Tynecastle.