When Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian last met on Boxing Day, Martin Boyle’s brace kept Hearts bottom of the Scottish Premiership table, five months later they were relegated.
Five years on, both clubs face the same fate after poor starts to their league campaigns, with Hibs in eighth place, while Hearts are 10th, just four and two points adrift of relegation respectively.
Edinburgh’s two big sides have spent nearly two months in the Premiership’s bottom pairing, but with just one defeat in each of their last four games, victory could take the winner closer to the top six than the foot of the table.
Thursday, December 26 at 12:00 p.m
Start: 12:30 p.m
Four of the last five meetings between these sides have ended in draws, although since their victory on Boxing Day 2019, Hibernian’s visitors have won just one derby in 15.
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Highlights from the first Scottish Premier League game of the season between Hibernian and Hearts
Both Neil Critchley and David Dray will be looking for their first Edinburgh derby wins as managers when their sides meet at Tynecastle Park on Thursday. Live on Sky Sports from 12 o’clock.
Critchley. Hearts move on, but I need time
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Neil Critchley in his first months as Hearts manager, plus the ‘massive’ Edinburgh derby against Hibernian on Boxing Day
Speaking Sky Sports News Ahead of his first Edinburgh Derby at Tynecastle Park, Hearts head coach Neil Critchley said:
“It’s massive, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a game that everyone is looking forward to and we have been for the last few weeks.
“We’re coming off the back of a win, so it’s a really good game. It’s a great atmosphere, a great occasion, but we have to make sure we stay calm.
Blair Spittal scores as Hearts beat St Johnstone to move off bottom
“If you look at the points we’ve picked up while we’ve been here, we’re doing pretty well, but we want to do better up the table and we’ve got a busy time ahead of us.
“You always want to do better. We have made some progress in performances and I think we are moving forward. I still think we have a lot of work to do and as any manager or coach will say. I need time, but we have to get some wins.”
Gray. The biggest day on the calendar
Speaking Sky Sports News Before the trip to Tynecastle Park, Hibernian head coach David Gray said:
“This game doesn’t need much introduction. I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in the last 10 years, it’s the best day on the calendar and if you get three points it’s even more special.
“It’s five years since we last went and did it on Boxing Day, so hopefully that’s a good sign and we can send them home happy tomorrow.
Nicky Cadden and Chris Cadden celebrate as Hibernia beat Aberdeen in their last game, winning 3-1.
“For all the players, for the fans, for everyone involved, it’s one they’re looking forward to. I’m sure everyone can’t wait for it.
“We were quietly confident that things would improve. You’re now starting to see the unity that’s always been there, and with some positive results, the confidence is starting to come, which is great.”
