An Edinburgh classic since 1875 as Hearts and Hibernian play for pride

This is the Edinburgh derby, one of the longest running rivalries in world football. The first match between the two teams was played in 1875. Hearts and Hibernian are the two oldest professional clubs from Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. A lot of pride is at stake when these teams meet.

Both teams should be fairly well rested for this game, as they have had some quiet days to prepare. Hopefully this will translate into lots of action on the pitch.

These teams are so close in distance that this match is special, a derby with local pride the main prize.

Hearts form and stats

Only two Premiership home games for Hearts so far, yet both highs and lows with 1 win, 1 draw and 0 defeat.

Happy days for Hearts in their previous game, a Premiership match away at Dundee United (placed 7th) that ended with a 2-0 victory. Craig Gordon, who guards the goal, was given a match rating of 9.05 out of 10 in that game. Gordon stopped the opponent with seven saves and topped it up with a clean sheet. Craig Gordon loved the game against Dundee United. With a stunning seven saves the goalkeeper played a huge part in the 2-0 victory.

The spoils were shared after 90 minutes before that, a home game that ended 1-1 versus Aberdeen.

The bookmakers consider this a fairly even contest. One could say only the home advantage separates the teams. It could be relevant to look at how Hearts have performed in matches similar to this (as small favourites). Our database has found five matches with the results: Won zero, drawn two and lost three.

Early season league goal statistics from Hearts's 2 home games: 3 goals, 2 conceded.

Hibernian form and stats

Hibernian are still undefeated on their travels in the Premiership. They have only played two games though, winning one and drawing the other.

Hibernian had fun at their own home (Tynecastle Park) last time out, beating Livingston 2-0. Kevin Nisbet and Martin Boyle scored. Midfielder Martin Boyle was the best performer of that match, with a rating of 8.15. Boyle scored one goal, hit three key passes, dribled passed the opponent 10 of 14 times and had 19 successful passes (of 23 total).

Before that, Hibernian travelled to Dundee and returned home with a draw after the game finished 2-2.

So, this is expected to be a close game, an even contest. Looking at earlier matches with Hibernian playing away and similar expectations, we found eight relevant matches. Results were four Hibernian wins, one draw and three defeats.

It's early days yet, but Hibernian has scored 5 and conceded 4 goals from their travels in the league so far (2 games).

Head 2 Head

Head-2-head stats last ten meetings: five - two - three (Hearts wins - draws - Hibernian wins). As for goals, five matches ended with three or more goals (over 2,5), five had two or less.

Top Goalscorers

M. Boyle 4 goals

L. Boyce 3 goals

K. Magennis 2 goals

Hearts missing players

Hibernian missing players