The Edinburgh derby takes centre stage on Sunday as Hearts and Hibernian clash at Hampden Park for a place in the League Cup final next month.
The rivals from the capital meet at the National Stadium for just the fifth time and Hearts have dominated previously, winning on all four previous occasions.
Hibs come into this game without a league victory since August, second from bottom in the Premiership, and with boss Marink Reedijk seeking his first win.
Hearts have already taken the derby spoils in the first league meeting of the season and the Jambos are well placed to succeed again.
Hearts v Hibernian Tips Summary
Best Bet – Hearts to Win @ 5/6
Alternative Bet – Claudio Braga Anytime Goalscorer @ 13/10
Bet Builder – Hearts to Win, Calvin Millar to Score or Assist & Marko Ivezic to be Booked @ 8/1
Hearts v Hibernian Prediction
Best Bet: Hearts to Win @ 5/6
Hearts are deserving favourites and perhaps should be shorter in the betting. They came within minutes of being champions last season and have recovered from losing some key components in the summer to hit form this season after a slow start.
They were excellent for long spells in the 2-2 midweek draw with Rangers and only a late goal denied them victory.
Hibs are without a clean sheet in their 11 league games and have already lost 3-1 to Hearts at Easter Road in the league.
That game saw Jack Iredale sent off for the hosts and they have a poor disciplinary record when facing their bitter foes at Hampden with four red cards in four games. Any misdemeanours will be costly now.
Dutch boss Reedijk is attempting to implement a new style of play and, so far, there are teething concerns for a team conceding too many goals and looking blunt at the other end. Hearts should have enough to see them off.
Alternative Bet: Claudio Braga Anytime Goalscorer @ 13/10
Claudio Braga has enjoyed a good week, the Portuguese forward hitting the net against Motherwell and Rangers to bring his tally for the season to six in all competitions.
He had a game-high five shots when the teams met in Leith in September, with one of those on target.
Those back-to-back goals in the preceding two games will only heighten his confidence and Braga can break his derby scoring duck.
Hearts v Hibernian Bet Builder Tip
- Hearts to Win
- Calvin Millar to Score or Assist
- Marko Ivezic to be Booked
Pays 8/1
Hearts have never sampled defeat in an Edinburgh derby played at this venue on the south side of Glasgow and current form suggests they can continue that strong record.
The Jambos have won four of the last five Edinburgh derbies, including at Easter Road in September. Hibs are adjusting to their new manager but this key game may come too soon.
Hibs have found the net just 11 times in the league in 11 games and that lack of creativity is a worry.
Calvin Millar has been a real creative spark this season for Hearts. The former Falkirk player has five goals and one assist, having enjoyed 16 goal involvements for the Bairns last season.
Complete the bet builder with a booking for Hibs central defender Marko Ivezic, who has received one booking in four games since returning from injury. He was cautioned seven times in 27 league games for Holstein Kiel last season.
He made two fouls in the midweek draw with St Mirren and will come under pressure against this Hearts side.
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Key Match Stats
- Hearts have won all four Edinburgh derbies played at Hampden Park
- Hibs have had four players sent off in those four games at the National Stadium since 2006
- Hibs are second from bottom in the Scottish Premiership with just two wins from 11 games so far and no league victory since August
- Hearts have won four of the previous five Edinburgh derbies (L1)
- Hibs boss Marink Reedijk is winless after four games in the dugout (D1, L3)
- Hearts have scored 24 league goals in 11 games, while Hibs have found the net just 11 times
- The Hibees have conceded at least once in all 11 games in the league
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
