Leader: High stakes, pressure and reputations on line in Hearts v Hibs derby like no other

We are only hours away from one of the biggest Edinburgh derbies in recent times.
Hearts have a chance to reach the Scottish Cup final once again.Hearts have a chance to reach the Scottish Cup final once again.
Hearts have a chance to reach the Scottish Cup final once again.

Hearts fans don’t need reminded about the past two Scottish Cup matches against Hibs at Hampden. The 5-1 savaging in the 2012 final was heaven for those in maroon, closely followed by the 4-0 romp against nine men in the 2006 semi-final. The Jambos have a fine record against their neighbours when they meet at Scottish football HQ.

The latest chapter of this rivalry is slightly different though. Unlike the two aforementioned clashes, a strong case can be made for Hearts being underdogs. They are in the Championship, are behind Hibs in terms of preparation and are not accustomed to playing top-flight opposition. Robbie Neilson may have Hearts playing well, but Jack Ross has Hibs flying high at the top of the Premiership. Only Aberdeen and Celtic have beaten them this season. This is not a Hibs team of yore, with a miserly defence – six clean sheets in 12 matches – and they have the country’s most in-form striker in Kevin Nisbet.

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While a strong case can be made for this version of Hearts being at Premiership level, they come into this match relieved of some burden. Win, and it’s another famous victory over rivals who falter when it matters most on the biggest derby stage. Lose, and one can point to all manner of excuses.

Not that Hearts fans will allow that. The demands of toppling their greatest adversaries are high. They lost in the Scottish Cup to Hibs in 2016, spurning a 2-0 lead at Tynecastle which led to a replay defeat. Hibs went on to win the trophy for the first time in 114 years and rewrote history and songbooks.

Some Tynecastle fans have not forgiven Neilson, who was in charge of Hearts for those two matches. He can stitch together some lingering wounds from four years ago with a win here, but on the flip side, another defeat – Neilson has only ever won one derby as Hearts manager – and the early good work of the season could all be forgotten.

Ross has one derby win and one defeat to his name since taking the reins 11 months ago. The work he has done at Easter Road is immense, changing the mindset of his team. He’s addressed weaknesses, coaching the back-line to within an inch of its life and bringing in midfield hard-man Alex Gogic. This Hibs team will not get bullied by anyone.

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However, a defeat would take the wind out of Hibs’ sails. Despite there being no fans present, a watching green-and-white audience on state television will not forget lightly. This is an excellent chance for Hibs to make the final. It would be the first of owner Ron Gordon’s tenure, and reward for the backing he has given Ross in such trying financial times.

The cash boost in terms of prize money for both clubs can’t be underestimated either. Every penny counts during a pandemic.

Many Championship clubs would view this as a free hit, given their standing, but not Hearts. The need to win is there, and Neilson and his players know it. The pressure is also on Hibs too, in a derby like no other. A fascinating match awaits …

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