Hibernian v Hearts
Saturday 29th December 1730hrs
Football – Scotland – Premiership
Pick: Hibernian
Bookmaker: Betfred
Odds:17/16 (odds taken 12.45 GMT, Friday 28 December)
Scottish Premiership Betting at Berfred
Derby games are a fixture of Scottish football at this time of year and it’s the turn of Easter Road to host the Edinburgh equivalent, a game that will close out 2018. Neither of these clubs have been in the best form of late but they are more than capable on their day and whoever comes out top on Saturday will be able to enjoy the new year festivities whilst the losers will have to endure and suffer. It’s always a fiery encounter so continue reading for a match preview as Hibernian host Hearts with a selected best betting tip.
Hibernian Preview
Although Hibs have not won nearly as many games of late that Neil Lennon would have been hoping for or indeed, what we know they are capable of, they have pulled off some important results and head into the derby with Hearts unbeaten in their last six games. The most recent of those games was a 1-1 draw away to Rangers on Boxing Day which would have felt like a win considering they scored late on to salvage a point. That ensured that Lennon’s men came through three games in December against both the big Glasgow clubs unscathed, winning against Celtic and drawing both games against Rangers. It has now given them a platform to go and get a vital three points against their bitter rivals which would certainly give them a big boost heading into the new year and winter break. It may well be that they return to action still in the bottom six even with a victory, but there is a lot of quality in this Hibs’ squad and if they can rid themselves of the inconsistency that has plagued them recently, we would expect to see Lennon’s men climbing the table.
Hearts Preview
Hearts are currently in fifth spot and four points above their neighbours but reflecting back on the first half of the season and it’s a case of what could have been for Craig Levein’s men. The Gorgie club topped the table at the end of October and were looking like they had the potential to mount a title challenge or at least a fight for second spot. A spate of injuries and a significant downturn in form has meant that those hopes have been shelved and they are now looking to finish as high as possible. It was a much-needed win at home to Hamilton on Boxing Day and perhaps even more importantly, Steven Naismith got one of the goals – his first since returning from a couple of months out. There’s no escaping the importance of Naismith to this team and he will be just about up to speed for Saturday’s game with Hibs. Hearts have looked pedestrian in attack without him and he is usually a man for the big occasion so will be relishing this fixture more than most. A win wouldn’t see them move up in the table but it would increase the gap between the two clubs and the significance of that is not lost on anyone involved with Hearts.
Hibernian v Hearts Betting Advice
The first meeting of the season between these two clubs took place on Halloween and although the game itself will not live long in the memory – ending goalless – it produced plenty of unsavoury moments off the field. It’s hoped that come full time on Saturday the chat will be surrounding the football and not incidents involving supporters. Or managers.
The danger, as ever with this game, is the hype and build-up becomes so overwhelming that it affects the standard on the pitch. It was the case back in October in a game of precious few chances and in the same fixture this time last year when there was even less. Indeed, matches between Hibs and Hearts have not brought with it a huge amount of goals in recent times with 17 of the last 24 meetings ending with two or fewer goals. It’s often the case with derby games and I would certainly not put anybody off backing under 2.5 goals in Saturday’s game. I am looking elsewhere, however, and have selected a home win. Hibs have struggled for wins in recent times but they seem able to motivate themselves for the big games. The recent 2-0 win at home to Celtic proved that and their home form this calendar year has been excellent. Lennon’s men have lost only once at home in 2018 and they also have the measure of Hearts at Easter Road, winning the last four meetings in all competitions.
