Steven Naismith and Nick Montgomery will be in the final throes of preparation ahead of this weekend’s clash in the Scottish capital. After a month and a half of Premiership action, the first Edinburghderby is finally here and if history is anything to go on, it is unlikely to be a quiet affair.
The first Edinburgh derby took place in 1875, being held on The Meadows, and there have since been 335 competitive fixtures between the two sides. Last time out, the fixture ended in a 1-1 draw with Hearts’ Alex Cochrane being sent off within the first 30 minutes. The game ended with a brawl.
However, with the former Central Coast Mariners boss now in charge, there is a changed atmosphere in Leith and as the tension rises in the city, there will be several key players hoping to make their mark in the competitions. Here are the top goalscorers in the history of competitive fixtures between Hibs and Hearts.
5. Alfie Conn Senior - 13
Alfie Conn Jr in action - his father played for Hearts from 1944 to 1958 and established the terrible trio along with Jimmy Wardhaugh and Willie Bauld. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602
6. Jimmy Wardhaugh - 14
Hearts’ Wardhaugh scored 14 goals against Hibs during his 13 year career at Tynecastle from 1946-1959. | London Hearts Supporters Club
7. Gordon Smith - 15
Hibs’ Smith is their top scorer in Edinburgh derbies. He played for the Hibees from 1941-1959 before joining Hearts for two seasons. | The Scotsman
8. Bobby Walker - 15
Bobby Walker played for Hearts from 1896-1919 and scored 15 goals in Edinburgh derbies. | Hearts FC