'I can't see past a Hearts win', 'I'm going all in, Hibs to win': Our journalists make their predictions for Scottish Cup semi-final between Hearts and Hibs

Our online team make their predictions for Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final between Hearts and Hibs at Hampden.

The clubs last met in March and the line-ups will look very different on Saturday. Picture: SNS

Craig Fowler: It's very tempting to pick Hearts. The Tynecastle side defeated Hibs twice last season in a year where they ultimately finished bottom in a curtailed campaign. The squad has since been streamlined and improved and, if Hearts were in this year's top flight, would probably find themselves in fifth or sixth place with the talent at their disposal. Unfortunately for them, Hibs also improved during the summer and, crucially, know exactly what their strongest line-up will be. While they have a 100 per cent record, Hearts haven't fully found their stride yet and that will be the difference in the game. Hibs win.

Mark Atkinson: All summer long, I've been telling anyone that would listen that Hearts would win this match, because it fits into the narrative of 2020. Get their revenge for being unfairly relegated, blah blah blah (they were, in my opinion, but that's a separate story). There's no doubt in my mind that Hearts are a Premiership team in Championship clothing, but Hibs are by far and away the toughest team they've faced so far. I really like what Jack Ross has done with Hibs, marrying the crux of a good squad with some really shrewd recruits. Strong defence + in-form strikers = wins. Hibs are favourites for me, and as long as they can deal with the pressure of such a tag, they ought to edge this. I can see it going to extra time, where match fitness will come into it. Hearts 1-2 Hibs (aet).

Joel Sked: If we are to look at this game logically, it points to a Hibs win. They are well ahead in the season, playing a division above, the various components of the team are functioning. There is a real equilibrium about Jack Ross' side. From the defensive set-up, whether in a three or a four, Joe Newell and Alex Gogic in midfield, the pace of Martin Boyle and the strike partnership. Contrast that with Hearts who have been slightly disjointed as a collective even with five wins from five. That is to be expected with a new manager, a new way of playing and new players. But this is the year 2020 and an Edinburgh derby when Hearts are underdogs. Therefore I can't see past a Hearts win with a name to join the likes of Wayne Foster, Graham Weir and David Obua in the pantheon of unlikely derby heroes. Hearts 1 - 0 Hibs

David Oliver: At a glance, a Hibs side going great guns, third in the Premiership and generally impressing should win this one, but look closer and it’s not so clear-cut. Hibs’ defence has been stoic so far and the Hampden pitch will give Boyle plenty of room to play and influence the game - but attacking Hibs sides have been hurt here before. The undercurrent of experience in Hearts’ ranks from Stevie Naismith, Andy Halliday and Robbie Neilson himself adds an extra element to their hopes and in Craig Gordon they have the best goalkeeper Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge will have faced this season. There’s so little to separate them and while Hibs probably should win, remembering a similar scenario and Falkirk’s smash-and-grab win of 2015 makes me lean towards Hearts 1-0.

Patrick McPartlin: No fans, a neutral venue, both teams going well, and a place in the final up for grabs. As one-off games go, they don't get more intriguing than this. Hibs have been moulded into a well-drilled team; they can win ugly, they're hard to break down, and curiously they seem to deliver away from Easter Road. But Hearts are a relatively unknown quantity and that element of surprise could work in their favour. Regardless, I think Hibs have what it takes to squeeze over the line - whether in 90 minutes, extra time, or penalties. Prediction: Hibs to reach the final

Matt Elder: If Ross and Neilson were sitting at opposite ends of a poker table right now, they'd both look down at their cards and fancy their chances. Hibs certainly have a strong hand based on the start they've made to the Premiership season, with a flush of match-winners in attacking areas backed up by a strong suit in defence. But Hearts also have several experienced aces in their pack, and their impressive dismantling of title rivals Dundee in the Championship opener showed they ain't bluffing. It will be a very closely fought match with neither side likely to fold. As for my scoreline prediction, I'm going all-in. Hibs to win 1-0.

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