Preview: Hearts (A)
We’re making the short trip across the city to Tynecastle on Boxing Day for the Edinburgh Derby – read the full match preview for our game against Hearts below!
THE LOWDOWN
David Gray’s side come into this one in a positive vein of form having won three of their last four William Hill Premiership games.
In their last outing they came from behind to beat high-flying Aberdeen 3-1 at Pittodrie. Martin Boyle played a starring role in the victory as he set up goals for Elie Youan and Nicky Cadden, before bagging himself in the second half.
That win meant Hibs had won back-to-back games in the league for the first time since 3 December 2023.
Following the weekend’s fixtures, Hibs now sit 8th in the league table with 18 points from 18 games.
TEAM NEWS
There are doubts around Warren O’Hora and Joe Newell ahead of the Edinburgh Derby as they both came off injured against Aberdeen.
After the game, Head Coach David Gray said: “Warren picked up a knock against Ross County, which forced him off the pitch. He did well to recover as quick as did, but he stiffened up at half-time against Aberdeen just because of the nature of the injury. We will see how he recovers.
“As for Joe, it’s probably too early to say. I’m sure he will be fine. It was more of an impact, and hopefully it’ll settle down quickly.”
Both Mykola Kuharevich and Rudi Molotnikov are being monitored closely ahead of the Derby.
The game will come soon for both Marvin Ekpiteta and Kieron Bowie.
THE HOSTS
Hearts currently sit 10th in the William Hill Premiership table, two points behind Hibs.
Neil Critchley’s side come into the game on Boxing Day off the back of a 2-1 victory over St Johnstone, thanks to goals from James Penrice and Blair Spittal.
Spittal, who joined from Motherwell in the summer, is their top scorer in all competitions this season with five goals to his name.
At Tynecastle, Hearts are unbeaten in their last three league games, beating the Saints and Dundee, and drawing with Aberdeen.
The last time the two sides met earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw. Mykola Kuharevich gave Hibs the lead before James Wilson equalised in the final moments of the game.
A Memorable Boxing Day Meeting
One Boxing Day victory that will live long in the memory of all Hibernian FC supporters is the ‘Martin Boyle Derby’ at Tynecastle in 2019.
Martin Boyle was clinical in front of goal that day, volleying home his first after six minutes – before adding a second just after the half-hour mark with a well taken one-on-one.
TICKETS
Match tickets are sold out. Please don’t travel to the game if you don’t have a match ticket.
BEHIND THE GOALS SCREENING
Watch the Boxing Day Edinburgh Derby live from our ‘Behind The Goals’ sports bar at Easter Road!
Doors open at 11am, with the street food available to purchase and a card bar available throughout the match. Tickets for the screening are priced at £5!
SKY SPORTS
The Edinburgh Derby will be shown live on Sky Sports!
The coverage starts at 12 noon on Thursday 26 December, with the game being shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.