In a highly anticipated showdown, the Edinburgh Derby between Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian is set to unfold at Tynecastle Park on Boxing Day. The last encounter saw Hibernian’s Martin Boyle score twice, handing Hearts a crushing defeat that ultimately contributed to their relegation five months later.
Fast forward five years, and both clubs find themselves again facing relegation threats after lackluster starts to their current season, with Hibs sitting in eighth place and Hearts in tenth. They are perilously close to the bottom of the league, trailing only four and two points from the relegation zone, respectively.
Despite struggling, both teams have managed only one league defeat in their last four matches. A victory in the derby could propel the winning side into the competitive top six, turning the tide for their season.
Notably, four of the last five encounters between Hibernian and Hearts have ended in draws, with Hibs winning just once in 15 meetings since that fateful Boxing Day clash in 2019.
As excitement builds for this crucial matchup, both Hearts head coach Neil Critchley and Hibernian head coach David Gray are eager to secure their first Edinburgh Derby victories at Tynecastle.
Critchley: Focused on Improvement
Prior to this essential derby, Critchley emphasized the significance of the match, stating, “It’s massive, and I’m really looking forward to it. This game means a lot to the people in the area. It’s a great atmosphere and a great occasion.” He added, “While we’ve made progress, we need to get some wins to climb the table.”
Gray: Embracing the Occasion
For Gray, the derby is a highlight of the season, declaring, “This game doesn’t need much of an introduction… It’s the greatest day in the calendar and if you get three points, it makes it even more special.” He expressed hope that his team can replicate their success from five years ago, when they last triumphed on Boxing Day.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating contest, fans are eagerly awaiting a spectacle that could redefine their seasons.
