Hearts v Hibernian: Prediction, Tips and Odds

In-form Hibernian can claim a big Boxing Day derby win over Hearts when the two Edinburgh sides go head-to-head at Tynecastle.

After recent 3-1 victories over Ross County and Aberdeen, eighth-placed Hibs head to their local rivals in good shape.

Hearts, who are two places below in the table, picked up an important 2-1 win over struggling St Johnstone on Sunday but could face festive derby heartache on Thursday.

Hearts v Hibernian betting tips and predictions

Hibernian to win - 9/4

Hibernian should make the short journey to Tynecastle with plenty of confidence after their recent wins and they can secure an eye-catching Christmas success to boost their hopes of finishing in the top half of the table this season.

Aside from an expected defeat at Celtic earlier in the month, Hibs have drawn 3-3 with Aberdeen and beaten Motherwell 3-0 away in the past month before the pair of 3-1 victories in their last two outings.

David Gray's side have also demonstrated plenty of character in those recent wins, coming from 1-0 down to eventually come out on top on both occasions.

The first Edinburgh derby between the two sides finished all square at 1-1 in October, when Hearts needed a late James Wilson equaliser to claim a point at Easter Road, but Hibs can make up for that disappointment on Boxing Day.

Hearts crashed out of the UEFA Conference League on Thursday after a 2-2 draw with Petrocub but picked themselves up to see off St Johnstone on Sunday, a result which moved them off the bottom of the table.

However, they may struggle to follow up that much-needed win with another in the derby.

Hibernian to score in first half - 5/4

Hibs look decent value at 5/4 to net in the first half at Tynecastle, as Gray's side have scored plenty of first-half goals lately.

They were 1-0 up at half-time against Aberdeen on 26th November and they scored twice in the first half against Motherwell in the game that followed four days later.

While they drew a blank at Celtic, they were back on the first-half scoring trail against Ross County when Dwight Gayle was on target just before the break and then Elie Youan and Cadden struck in the first 45 minutes against Aberdeen on Saturday.

It may well be another tense derby between the Edinburgh rivals but the visitors can maintain their recent run of scoring before the break as they look to get an early upper hand in the big clash.

Martin Boyle to score at any time - 3/1

Martin Boyle has had to settle for a bit-part role for Hibs for most of the past month but he was back in the starting line-up against Aberdeen on Saturday and responded with an impressive display.

The 31-year-old set up Nicky Cadden for his side's second goal at Pittodrie before getting on the scoresheet himself in the second half to help seal the win.

Boyle seems set to keep his place for the Boxing Day derby and he should be confident of causing the Hearts defence problems.

The forward only has three goals in the Scottish Premiership this season, although he has managed another three in the League Cup, and he will be determined to add to his tally as he hopes to inspire an away win.

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Hearts v Hibernian odds

Hearts - 23/20
Draw - 12/5
Hibernian - 9/4

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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.