The time is nearly upon us for the first Edinburgh Derby day of the 2023/24 season. Both Hearts and Hibs have had turbulent results in recent weeks and they will look to this weekend’s clash as a way to affirm their position within both the Premiership and the capital.
Last derby day, Steven Naismith and former Hibs boss Lee Johnson came to blows following the final whistle but this time around, the atmosphere in the Easter Road camp seems much calmer with Nick Montgomery now at the helm.
The Leeds-born manager is no stranger to fierce inter-city rivalries, however, having played in his fair share of Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday clashes but it remains to be seen how his new approach will affect the on-pitch action on Saturday.
The Jambos, however, are set to be without several of their key figures due to injury with long-term absentees Barrie McKay, Nathaniel Atkinson, Alex Cochrane, Craig Hackett and Craig Gordon continuing their recoveries on the sidelines.
Here is Edinburgh News’ predicted starting XI for Hearts’ ahead of their upcoming battle against Hibs…
1. GK: Zander Clark
Clark, who has become an undisputed number one goalkeeper, may soon lose his spot when Craig Gordon returns from injury.
2. LWB: Stephen Kingsley
The attacking defender Stephen Kingsley has been in fine form since the injury of Alex Cochrane and retains his place against Hibs.
3. CB: Kye Rowles
Australian Rowles will come up against former manager Nick Montgomery this weekend.
4. CB: Frankie Kent
Kent with the ‘magic hat’ will be once again teaming up with Rowles in the central defensive role.