The first Edinburgh derby of the season promises excitement as Hibs and Hearts, both in good form, prepare to face off at Easter Road.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Hibs and Hearts prepare to lock horns in the first Edinburgh derby of the season at Easter Road this Thursday. Both teams have started the campaign strongly, each accumulating six points from their opening league matches.
Hibs secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Dundee while Hearts triumphed over St Johnstone by the same scoreline. However, their European campaigns have taken different paths. Hibs were eliminated from the Conference League in the play-off stage by Gent whereas Hearts advanced to the league phase after defeating Rapid Vienna on penalties.
The Refereeing Team
The Scottish Football Association has announced the officiating team for the match. Don Robertson will take charge as the referee, with Ross Macleod and Calum Spence as his assistants. Colin Steven will serve as the fourth official, while Nick Walsh will operate the VAR assisted by Chris Graham.
Robertson’s last encounter with these teams was during the post-split derby last season, where he sent off two Hibs players and oversaw a dramatic 2-1 victory for Hearts. His recent assignments include a Hibs win over Rangers and a controversial Hearts match against Celtic that decided the Premiership title.
Recent Form and Manager Quotes
Hearts’ victory over St Johnstone was secured thanks to goals from James Wilson and an own goal by Enes Alic. Manager Wouter Vrancken emphasized the importance of securing the three points and preparing for the unique challenge of the derby.
Hibs’ manager, David Gray praised his team’s resilience following their win at Dundee. He highlighted the players’ outstanding performance despite the disappointment of their European exit. Gray’s experience in derbies could be crucial in this encounter.
Expert Predictions
Our team of experts has shared their predictions for the derby, offering a range of outcomes from high-scoring draws to narrow victories.
Mark Atkinson anticipates a goal-filled match, while Lewis Anderson and Alistair Gordon both predict a narrow 2-1 victory for Hibs. Ben Banks expects a cautious approach leading to a 0-0 draw, and Barry Anderson foresees a tight game decided by the odd goal, possibly in Hearts’ favor. John Greechan goes for a dramatic 5-4 scoreline, reflecting the unpredictable nature of derbies.
The Edinburgh derby is always a fiercely contested affair, and this match promises to be no different. With both teams in good form and the added spice of European campaigns, the stage is set for an exciting encounter under the lights at Easter Road.
