Hearts vs Hibernian Predictions

Hearts vs Hibernian predictions for Scottish Premiership clash. Hearts host Hibernian in a closely contested Boxing Day derby at Tynecastle Park, with just two places separating the Edinburgh rivals in the Scottish Premiership standings entering gameweek 19. Read on for all our free Scottish Premiership predictions and betting tips.

Scottish Premiership | Dec 26, 2024 at 12:30pm UK at Tynecastle Park

Hearts vs Hibernian Predictions

Can Hearts Overcome Hibs’ Momentum in a Thrilling Boxing Day Showdown?

• Scoring Streaks Clash: Hibs have netted three goals in four of their last five matches, while Hearts have scored twice in their last two home games.
• Defensive Frailties on Display: Hearts and Hibs have conceded a combined 54 goals in 18 league matches each, highlighting their leaky defences.
• Goals Galore in Head-to-Head Matches: Four of the last five Edinburgh derbies have ended in score draws, showcasing a consistent trend of high-scoring encounters.

Our Tips

The festive football schedule often delivers dramatic spectacles, and the Edinburgh derby promises to be no exception. Hearts host Hibernian at Tynecastle Park, with both sides eager to solidify their resurgence during this crucial Boxing Day clash. The stakes are high, with only two places separating the teams in the Scottish Premiership table. Hearts, buoyed by a 2-1 victory over St Johnstone, seek consecutive league wins for the first time this season. Meanwhile, Hibs are eyeing their third straight victory—a feat that has eluded them for nearly a year.

For Neil Critchley’s men, this match represents more than just three points. It’s an opportunity to leapfrog their city rivals in the standings and prove they can string together results consistently. Hibs, under David Gray’s stewardship, have shown glimpses of attacking brilliance, but their defensive frailties have been equally apparent. With both sides grappling with inconsistency yet demonstrating flashes of quality, this encounter is set to captivate fans and neutrals alike.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 Goals

If there’s one thing the form book tells us, it’s that goals are likely to flow freely in this Edinburgh derby. Both Hearts and Hibernian have been involved in high-scoring matches recently, with defensive vulnerabilities and attacking potency making a goal-fest the most plausible scenario.

Hearts have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four outings, conceding 27 goals across their 18 league matches. While their defence has struggled, their attacking setup has offered a silver lining. Blair Spittal and Lawrence Shankland have been pivotal, contributing three goals apiece and generating a combined 11 big chances this season. Playing at home, Hearts have scored twice in their last two matches and will feel confident of finding the net again, especially with Spittal and Shankland in form.

Hibs, on the other hand, have been even more prolific in front of goal. They’ve scored three times in four of their last five Premiership fixtures, a testament to their attacking strength led by Martin Boyle and Nicky Cadden. However, their defensive frailties—evident in the 27 goals they’ve shipped this season—have often undermined their progress. Their last seven matches in the league have all seen over 2.5 goals, with six of those featuring three or more goals from their side alone.

The context of the derby only adds to the expectation of goals. Four of the last five meetings between these sides have ended in score draws, often with multiple goals. Tynecastle’s atmosphere is likely to fuel both teams’ attacking ambitions, further increasing the probability of a high-scoring encounter.

BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick summarises: “Hearts’ defensive woes and Hibs’ attacking form set the stage for an entertaining clash. Expect plenty of goals, as both sides look capable of both scoring and conceding freely.”

Correct Score Prediction: Hearts 2-3 Hibernian

The prediction of a 2-3 victory for Hibs aligns closely with the reasoning for a high-scoring affair. While Hearts have shown they can score at home, their defensive lapses make them vulnerable against Hibs’ more potent attack. The visiting side have demonstrated their ability to exploit leaky defences, and their recent form—three wins in four games—suggests they have the edge in this matchup.

A 2-3 result reflects Hibs’ attacking flair, with Boyle and Cadden likely to be key contributors. Hearts, while capable of troubling their rivals’ backline, are expected to struggle to contain the Hibees’ relentless forward play. The prediction also accounts for the history of score draws between these sides, showing respect for both teams’ offensive capabilities while giving Hibs the nod for their sharper form.

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