The pundits have been out in force casting their predictions for Hearts vs Hibs this Sunday at Hampden Park.
Edinburgh derbies are fraught with tension at the best times but they escalate on Premier Sports Cup semi-final duty. Victory books a place in December’s Hampden showpiece against either Aberdeen or Rangers and renews fans hopes of a glorious day before Christmas.
Derby bragging rights are an added bonus and plenty of ex-pros have been giving their verdicts on how things may play out in Mount Florida. Here are how 13 pundits see Hearts vs Hibs playing out this Sunday afternoon.
5. Andy Walker (Go)
“Hibs, you talk about them being a big club. I mean, they're up against Hearts at the weekend in the semi-final of the League Cup. Hearts are huge favourites. They've got the Indian sign over Hibs.”
6. Cammy Bell (Scottish Football Podcast)
“You need to turn the corner at some point. You need to stop losing games, especially when a new manager comes in, you need to get something. They managed to get a point at St Mirren. That creativity at the top end of the pitch just isn't there yet. The style of play that he's trying to implement, I don't think is clicking at this moment in time, but they got a point. It's got to give them hope. It's got to give them a little bit of confidence. They certainly need to take confidence from it and build on it.”
7. Derek Ferguson (Open Goal)
"If Hearts can bottle what they did on Wednesday then I can only see one winner. You look at it and think Hearts are going to win it. 3-0." | SNS Group
8. Charlie Mulgrew (Go)
"I can't see past Hearts with their attacking threat but they are conceding far too many chances against. I think there will be a few goals in this game." | Getty Images