Tuesday 24th October 2017 Kickoff: 1945hrs Hibernian v Hearts Football – Scotland – Premiership The first Edinburgh derby of the season takes place at Easter Road on Tuesday in match that the whole Scottish capital comes to a standstill to watch. It’s the first fixture between the two in the top flight since 2014 after both clubs were relegated that season. There has been a number of encounters since then, both in the Championship and in cup competitions, but there is a growing anticipation surrounding this game, not least because only two points separate the pair in the Scottish Premiership. These games are rarely dull affairs and we hope there’s plenty of action tomorrow.
Hibs will have to pick themselves up quickly following their 4-2 defeat to Celtic in the League Cup on Saturday, but this is arguably the best game they could possibly have. Neil Lennon was disappointed with how his team started that game and will be under no illusions that they will have to be much better in the first 45 minutes on Tuesday if they are to get back to winning ways. Although himself and his players have earned many plaudits for their performances this year, they have actually struggled to win games. Their league record of three wins from nine games is indicative of that, and with just one victory in their last seven Premiership games, it’s a record they have to improve on if they wish to be challenging for the top four which would have been their aim at the beginning of the season. Their only home victory of the campaign came on the opening day of the season against Partick and since then they have lost two and drawn once – there would be no better opponent in the eyes of the Hibs faithful to beat than their archest of rivals to get their second three points at Easter Road.
It’s certainly not been a dull season so far for Hearts who sacked their former manager Ian Cathro just days before the league campaign kicked off and have been without a proper home since the start of the season due to the delay in getting the new stand at Tynecastle completed. In between all that Craig Levein has returnd to the manager’s job for a second spell in an attempt to steady the ship and get Hearts climbing the table again. Levein has tended to take a pragmatic approach to proceedings and his first couple of months back in charge has been no different. The last seven games in the league have yielded three wins and two draws, seeing Hearts climb into the top six and above Hibs into the bargain. All their wins have been by the odd goal, whilst they’ve never lost by more than a goal either in the two games where they have tasted defeat under Levein. His experience has allowed them to pick up some valuable wins in testing circumstances and although Hibs will be another test of how far they’ve come, it will be an experience the Hearts boss is well used to.
Hibernian v Hearts Betting Tip
These games are frantic and the rivalry ensures they’re played at a much quicker pace than both teams will be used to. As such, it’s often a test of how both teams adapt to that and in the more recent past Hibs have got much the better record. How much of a difference that makes in this one is debatable considering Hearts are now coached by the vastly experienced Levein who will attempt to take the sting out of the home team from the off. Hibs have struggled to win in front of their own fans this season but performances have been good, whilst Hearts have three wins from their five away games in the Premiership thus far. There is little to choose between the two and rather than predict the outcome I think the safer bet is playing the corner markets and taking over 10.5.
Over 10.5 corners EVENS @ Betfair
