The stakes couldn’t be higher at Tynecastle tonight (20:00 GMT). As Hearts host Hibernian live on Premier Sports, Derek McInnes finds himself fighting a war on two fronts: a relentless title race and a medical room that is officially at capacity.
With their lead at the summit slashed to just three points, the Jambos are desperate for revenge after a bruising 3-2 defeat to the Hibees at Christmas. But can a depleted Maroon squad hold off a Hibs side smelling blood in the water?
Team News: A Survival Test for McInnes
Derek McInnes admitted his squad is “as badly hit as it has been all season.” The list of absentees reads like a starting XI of key talent:
- Lawrence Shankland & Cammy Devlin: Both remain sidelined.
- Craig Halkett: Suspended following his red card in the St Mirren upset.
- The Casualty Ward: Stephen Kingsley, Calum Nieuwenhof, and Findlay Pollock are all ruled out.
Hibs aren’t without their own issues, missing Grant Hanley and Chris Cadden, but David Gray’s squad morale is sky-high following their dramatic weekend turnaround.
Stat Attack: Expect Fire and Goals
If history is anything to go by, don’t expect a quiet night in Gorgie. The stats point toward a classic Edinburgh scrap:
- The Card Count: An incredible 46 cards have been shown in the last 12 meetings between these two since 2023.
- BTTS: 7 of the last 9 derbies have seen both teams find the net.
- No Draws: None of the last four derbies have ended level—someone usually finds a winner.
The Betting Angle
Despite the injuries, Hearts remain the 9/10 favourites at Betfred. However, with Hibs at 16/5 to repeat their December victory, many punters are looking at the “spoiler” bet. The draw sits at 12/5, a result that would likely please Rangers fans more than anyone else in the country.
Fitba Focus Verdict: Hearts have the home advantage, but their lack of defensive depth and the absence of Shankland makes this the perfect time for Hibs to strike. We’re bracing for a physical, high-scoring encounter.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
