Hearts vs Hibs predictions as Evening News writers gaze into crystal ball for Premier Sports Cup semi-final
Here’s how our team see Hearts vs Hibs going down at Hampden this weekend.
Predictions are abound as Hearts and Hibs prepare to do battle at Hampden Park this weekend.
The Edinburgh rivals contest the second of this year’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final matches, for the chance to play Rangers or Aberdeen in December’s final. Under Wouter Vrancken, the Jambos have impressed overall, while Hibs are underdoing transitioning to new boss Marink Reedijk’s methods.
It’s why some have Hearts down as favourites but now our Evening News team assess who is most likely to come out on top. In a game that will be decided on Sunday one way or the other, here’s how our Evening News writers see proceedings playing out in the latest Edinburgh derby.
Ally Gordon - Hearts 4-1 Hibs
Admittedly, for the Edinburgh Derby I'm usually a fence-sitter when it comes to predictions, but this Sunday I can't see any other outcome than a Hearts victory. They dominated at Easter Road two months ago and Hibs haven't beaten top flight opposition since. Yes, there's plenty of injuries for the Jambos, but the attacking trio of Claudio Braga, Calvin Miller and Josh McPake are fit and should cause problems.
Lewis Anderson - Hearts 2-0 Hibs
Expect a cagey, high-intensity start typical of an Edinburgh derby. While Hearts enter this semi-final in far better domestic form, the form book often goes out the window in this fixture. Both squads are battling growing injury lists, but Hearts possess the superior squad depth and attacking momentum needed to unlock a fragile Hibs defence. The Jambos' current confidence should carry them through, securing a return trip to Hampden for the final in December.
Ben Banks - Hearts 2-1 Hibs
People have this one nailed, from what I’ve gathered, as two teams who play open football. It will then, therefore, become a shootout. I’m not sure I am buying that though. I was initially but I am swaying more towards both of these sides cancelling each other out. It then comes down to what players can be come game-changers on the day, and Hearts certainly have more to call upon. It’ll be tighter than some expect but I think Hearts’ added quality going forward will see them through.
Matthew Elder - Hearts 2-0 Hibs
The notion that form goes out the window in a derby is a myth so I can't see past a Hearts victory. Even in the midst of an injury crisis, the Jam Tarts are putting in far stronger performances - the 7-1 Celtic Park blip aside - than a Hibs team adjusting to life under new head coach Marink Reedijk. While both defences have been leaky, Hearts have much more in attack. Braga, Wilson, McPake and Miller all carry a goal threat and there are options off the bench too. Hibs, meanwhile, had to resort to throwing centre-back Hanley up front last week, which tells a story.
Mark Atkinson - Hearts 4-2 Hibs
This is a really good opportunity for Hearts to record another Hampden victory over Hibs. Despite their injury issues, they are a more settled and confident team, with multiple cohesive attacking threats. Players like McPake, Miller and Braga will get chances against a Hibs team low on morale, struggling for wins and transitioning from David Gray to Marink Reedijk. Having won at Easter Road earlier this season, Hearts know they are the superior team right now and I expect them to display that in a high-scoring encounter.
John Greechan - Hibs 5-4 Hearts
The scene is set for a nine-goal thriller, with Hibs bagging an injury-time winner amid scenes of absolute bedlam at Hampden. What? It could happen … In all seriousness, while Hearts are clear favourites, this might not be the worst tactical match-up for Reedijk, who has been watching Vrancken teams for a few years now. The Hibs gaffer can’t see he’s not well prepared, at least. Underdogs and already written off by many, Hibs have improved in every game under Reedijk. All set, then, for a great leap forward – and a thrilling 5-4 triumph that will be talked about forever.
Barry Anderson - Hearts 2-1 Hibs
Two coaches who know each other's styles. You'd think that might mean Hearts and Hibs stifling one another, but I'd expect quite the opposite. Both teams will rely on pace. Hearts could have a match-winner in McPake, while Hibs will hope Martin Boyle can exploit gaps in their rivals' defence. It will be open. I don't think it will be as simple as Hearts turning up and winning 3-0 or 4-0, but I'd expect them to reach the final. I'll say 2-1 to the Tynecastle side.