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…
5. RWB: Odel Offiah
The Englishman returns to the back line as Hearts welcome back a fan favourite in midfield. | SNS Group
6. CM: Calem Nieuwenhof
The Australian has been given much more game time recently and has enjoyed playing much deeper, in a position in which he feels much more natural. | SNS Group
7. CM: Cammy Devlin
Fellow Australian Cammy Devlin is now back in action and should start for Naismith in midfield. | SNS Group
8. LW: Alan Forrest
Forrest’s goal against Ross County gave Hearts their much needed three points away from home. | SNS Group