Hibernian vs Hearts — Match Preview
The eyes of Scotland turn to Edinburgh on Saturday, 27 December 2025, for a festive derby of massive proportions. The capital is currently maroon, with Hearts sitting proudly at the top of the Premiership table (41 points) under Derek McInnes. The Jambos arrive at Easter Road flying high after a statement 2–1 victory over Rangers at Tynecastle, a result that solidified their title credentials. Hibernian (5th, 25 points) are fighting for European spots but have struggled for consistency. David Gray’s men scraped a 1–1 draw against Dundee United last time out and will be desperate to derail their rivals’ title charge in front of a raucous home crowd.
Hibernian vs Hearts — Match Info
- Competition: Scottish Premiership (Matchday 19)
- Venue: Easter Road, Edinburgh (Capacity: 20,421)
- Date: Saturday, 27 December 2025
- Kickoff: 12:30 GMT
- Referee: John Beaton (SCO)
Hibernian vs Hearts — Match Stakes
Hibernian (5th — 25 pts):
- Win → Massive bragging rights; potentially closes gap on 4th place
- Draw → Respectable result against the league leaders; keeps unbeaten home run alive
- Loss → Further drift from European spots; watching rivals celebrate top spot on their patch
Hearts (1st — 41 pts):
- Win → Maintains lead at the summit; massive psychological blow to Rangers/Celtic chasing pack
- Draw → Keeps the unbeaten run going (now 7 games); decent point in a derby
- Loss → Opens the door for the Old Firm to close the gap; ends winning streak
Hibernian vs Hearts — Team News
Hibernian:
- Bushiri R. — Out (International Duty – AFCON with DR Congo)
- Obita J. — Out (International Duty – AFCON with Uganda)
- Chaiwa M. — Out (International Duty – AFCON with Zambia)
- Boyle M. — Available (Key threat, scored vs Dundee Utd)
- Newell J. — Available (Captain)
Hearts:
- Shankland L. — Available (Top Scorer – Scored winner vs Rangers)
- Findlay S. — Available (In goalscoring form from defense)
- Baningime B. — Questionable (Check on International status/Fitness)
- Halkett C. — Available (Defensive rock)
- Manager News: Derek McInnes likely to name an unchanged XI after the Rangers victory.
Hibernian vs Hearts — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Hibernian
- 20/12 — 1–1 vs Dundee Utd (Premiership)
- 16/12 — 0–1 vs Rangers (Premiership)
- 06/12 — 3–0 vs Falkirk (Premiership)
- 30/11 — 1–2 vs Celtic (Premiership)
- 26/11 — 0–2 vs Motherwell (Premiership)
Hearts
- 21/12 — 2–1 vs Rangers (Premiership)
- 14/12 — 2–0 vs Falkirk (Premiership)
- 07/12 — 2–1 vs Celtic (Premiership)
- 04/12 — 1–1 vs Kilmarnock (Premiership)
- 29/11 — 0–0 vs Motherwell (Premiership)
Hibernian vs Hearts — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 04/10/2025 — Hearts 1–0 Hibernian (Premiership)
- 02/03/2025 — Hibernian 2–1 Hearts (Premiership)
- 26/12/2024 — Hearts 1–2 Hibernian (Premiership)
- 27/10/2024 — Hibernian 1–1 Hearts (Premiership)
- 29/02/2024 — Hearts 1–1 Hibernian (Premiership)
Hibernian vs Hearts — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Hibernian (4-2-3-1)
Bursik; Cadden, Ekpiteta, O’Hora, Iredale (replacing Obita); Newell, Levitt; Boyle, Campbell, Youan; Bowie
Hearts (3-5-2)
Gordon; Kent, Halkett, Findlay; Taylor, Devlin, Boateng, Spittal, Penrice; Shankland, Vargas
Hibernian vs Hearts — Impact Bench
Hibernian: Hoilett (Experience), Kuharevich (Physical striker)
Hearts: Forrest (Pace off bench), Boyce (Plan B)
Hibernian vs Hearts — Tactical Analysis
Hibernian
David Gray has a headache at left-back with Jordan Obita away at AFCON. Jack Iredale will likely step in, but Hearts will target that side with the pace of Kenneth Vargas and Daniel Oyegoke (if playing). Hibs will look to play on the counter through Martin Boyle, who loves a derby goal. They must stop crosses into Shankland, which has been their Achilles heel recently.
Hearts
Derek McInnes has turned Hearts into a pragmatic, winning machine. They are deadly from set-pieces (Findlay scored a header vs Rangers) and ruthless in transition. Expect them to bypass midfield quickly to find Shankland. Their 3-5-2 system allows them to flood the midfield and suffocate Hibs’ creative players like Joe Newell.
Hibernian vs Hearts — Key Battles
- Shankland vs O’Hora — league’s best striker vs Hibs center-back
- Boyle vs Penrice — pace vs discipline on the flank
- Newell vs Devlin — battle for the engine room
- Gray vs McInnes — rookie manager vs experienced tactician
Hibernian vs Hearts — Spotlight Players
Hibernian — Martin Boyle
The Australian international is the one player in green capable of turning a game on its head in seconds. With Hibs missing key defenders, they need Boyle to pin Hearts back.
Hearts — Lawrence Shankland
The Hearts captain is in Ballon d’Or form (relative to the SPFL). He scores all types of goals and his hold-up play brings others into the game. If he gets a chance, he scores.
Hibernian vs Hearts — Prediction
Hibernian 1–2 Hearts
Derbies are unpredictable, but Hearts are currently the best team in Scotland on form. They have beaten both Old Firm sides recently and are playing with immense confidence. Hibs are depleted by AFCON call-ups and stuttering in form. The Jambos should paint Edinburgh maroon once again.
Hibernian vs Hearts — Betting Insights
- Hearts to Win — High Value
- Lawrence Shankland to Score — Very Likely
- Over 4.5 Cards — Guaranteed (Derby atmosphere)
Hibernian vs Hearts — Where to Watch
- UK: Sky Sports Football / Main Event
- International: Hearts TV / Hibs TV (Outside UK)
Hibernian vs Hearts — FAQs
Q: When is the Edinburgh Derby?
A: The match kicks off on Saturday, 27 December 2025, at 12:30 GMT.
Q: Who is top of the league?
A: Hearts are currently 1st in the Scottish Premiership.
Q: Is Rocky Bushiri playing?
A: No. He has been called up to the DR Congo squad for AFCON.
Q: Who is the referee?
A: John Beaton will officiate the match.
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
Can the Hibees stop the Hearts juggernaut?
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