Sunday 12th February 2016 Kickoff: 1230hrs Hearts v Hibernian Football – Scotland – Scottish Cup The Edinbrugh derby takes centre stage on Sunday as Hearts and Hibs do battle for a place in the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup. Outside of the Glasgow derby this remains Scotland’s biggest fixture despite the two being in different leagues and both sets of supporters will be hoping for bragging rights come Monday morning. What makes this particular game even more intriguing is the fact that it will be the first derby in charge for both Ian Cathro and Neil Lennon who are in their first season of managing the teams from the capital.
When Robbie Neilson announced his desire to leave Hearts and take over at MK Dons towards the end of last year, there was much debate about the club’s selected replacement Ian Cathro was appointed without having ever managed a team before and it was felt his inexperience – both in football and life – would well count against him. The doubters would have been feeling vindicated to begin with as Hearts really struggled for form and went on a run of winning just once in six games. Even at that stage there was talk that the job was too big and he may well be on borrowed time. The Jambos even had to go to extra time in the replay of their last game in the Scottish Cup, against lower league opposition no less, before a heavy defeat to Celtic. Since then, though, there has been a couple of chinks of light with an impressive 4-1 win at home to Rangers followed by a 3-0 success at Motherwell last week. Although there is a long way to go before suggesting the appointment will be a successful one long term, those wins have set them up perfectly for the visit of their arch rivals on Sunday.
Hibs’ win in last year’s Scottish Cup ended one of the most infamous waits in Scottish football history as it was the club’s first success in the competition since 1902. It was an unwanted trend that hung over the club and was the source of much joy from their rivals across the city. Winning 3-2 against Rangers at Hampden last May was the obvious highlight of an otherwise frustrating campaign where promotion to the Premiership eluded them, however en route to that final they also accounted for Hearts after a reply making the triumph even sweeter. Much has changed at the club since then with Neil Lennon taking charge following Alan Stubbs’ departure and whilst it has taken a bit of time to get fully going, Hibs sit clear at the top of the Championship and are on course to achieve their aim of getting promoted. League business will be put to the side on Sunday, though, as they continue their defence of the Scottish Cup. The Hibees recent form has been good with only one defeat in their last 16 games, including an 8-1 rout of junior club Bonnyrigg Rose in the last round, a tie that incidentally was played at Tynecastle.
Hearts v Hibernian Betting Tips
The fact that these clubs have not met as recently as they usually would over the last couple of seasons make the times when they do that bit sweeter. Hearts looked to have done enough to progress to the next round 12 months ago only for a late two goal salvage operation before Hibs completed the business in the replay at Easter Road. If we can get some more of that action on Sunday then we should be in for a real treat.
There’s no doubt Hearts are favourites for this one as not only are they at home but they’re also a stronger outfit and can call on a more quality players. Cathro will be slightly more relaxed as well as his team have been able to put together two confidence-boosting wins coming into the game and he’ll be calling on his players to show the same level of performance and ability combined with the desire and attitude that is needed in these types of games. Personally, I think Hibs biggest hope is that some of the new players that came in during the winter transfer window become spooked with the atmosphere and likely frenetic pace of the game, but that is a long shot.
Both clubs still have plenty to play for in terms of their league business but progression to the next round of the Scottish Cup and the all important bragging rights will be the only thing that Hearts and Hibs will be caring about come kick off on Sunday. Had this game been played a month ago then I may have been reluctant to side with the home team but their last two results and performances have been good and they can get the job done at home.
Hearts 33/25 @ Marathonbet
