Given the way the season has unfolded, how surprised are you we are now going into the final day Edinburgh Derby with fourth spot on the line?
STEVO: I must admit I thought Hearts were cruising to third spot and if you’d said to me a few months ago one of them would be sacking a manager, I would have said it would have been Hibs. It just shows how quickly things can turn in football and how fast things can unravel. I can’t believe Hibs are still in there when I’ve been reading Tam greeting in the Record every week.
TAM: Yes, I am very surprised. With the money Hearts made from getting European group stage football and investment in the squad (third biggest budget) then I thought they would have been miles clear of Hibs to be honest. As for the noises coming out of Hearts about challenging the Old Firm, that’s worked out well!
Who is under the most pressure to get a result today?
STEVO: Hearts. Absolutely no doubt. When you think about where they were sitting a few months ago, to eventually finish fifth in the league is unthinkable. Hibs have nothing to lose now and it’s all on my old club.
TAM: Undeniably Hearts. All the pressure is on Hearts. They have already blown an 11 point lead for third place and it would be absolutely UNTHINKABLE for Hibs to finish in front of Hearts and the Jambos to finish fifth after being in third for most of the season.
Hearts only need a point to secure fourth, how does each manager approach the game?
STEVO: They both need to go out all guns blazing to win. There’s no other way to approach a derby game. I know Hearts only need a point but I’ve never gone out to settle for a draw in any match, regardless of the situation. It’s far too dangerous to play for a draw and Hearts really need to go out and put the issue to bed.
TAM: I’d think both go out to win the game. In fairness to Stevie Naismith he has gone out and attacked in every game he’s been really positive. Hearts will not be allowed to play for a draw by the punters at Tynecastle so they will go for the throat of Hibs early doors. Hibs need to win that’s clear so i see no sitting in from Lee Johnson either. It should be an end to end game with plenty of goals.
How do you assess both club’s form going into this showdown?
STEVO: It’s a tricky one as Hearts have actually being played some decent stuff. They were very good for half an hour against Celtic and they produced a superb display to get the win against Aberdeen. I thought they played some really nice stuff at times. The first half at St Mirren has really killed them, and Peter Haring’s red card also had a huge effect. The form under Steven Naismith has been decent but the damage was done before then and you have to credit Aberdeen for the run they’ve been on. As for Hibs, they’ve picked up but they have been inconsistent. I’m not sure how they’ve managed to hang on to the race for fourth.
TAM: I think both are in really good form. Hibs are coming off the back of a fantastic 4-2 win over the champions and Hearts have beaten Aberdeen at home and drawn at Ibrox. There will not be a backward step taken by either team and I’m just glad that Hibs have kept the chances of 4th and finishing above Hearts alive. It makes for a huge game on Sunday and both sets of fans will be buzzing for the game.
Does Steven Naismith need to hold off Hibs to have any chance of being named permanent boss at Hearts?
STEVO: You’d have to think so. It might be harsh to judge him on one game, or even a handful. But it’s such an important match, it would be tough to see him getting the job if he loses back-to-back games to the big rivals.
TAM: One hundred-per-cent yes. If Hearts can beat Hibs and finish fourth I think that Stevie Naismith will get the job full time. If not then he has as much chance as I have of being the full time Hearts manager. He will know himself he needs a result so it’s a huge game for him personally too.
How do you assess Hearts’ season to this point?
STEVO: Disappointing after promising so much. It took them a while to get going when they were in Europe and the squad was being stretched. They looked a shoo in for third for a while when they went on a good run, but they fell apart for a while. Finishing fourth is the aim now, but even then it couldn’t be classed as a successful season. Finishing fifth behind Hibs doesn’t bear thinking about.
TAM: think it has been a rollercoaster season for Hearts. I think European group stage football definitely hindered them as they don’t have the strength in depth to play Thursday-Sunday. But after the break they went on a very good run and looked nailed on certainties for third place. A horrendous run cost Robbie Nielson his job and third place. They have thrown it away and to even contemplate them finishing fifth now is mind boggling.
What about Hibs’ campaign?
STEVO: A bit strange as well. They had a lot of injuries and went through periods of being pretty poor. But they’ll pulled off results here and there to stay in the fight for Europe. Fifth would be a success for them when you think about the expectation levels at both clubs. Stealing fourth and finishing above Hearts would have Hibs getting the open top bus out.
TAM: I think this was always going to be a season of transition for Hibs. There has been a massive turnover in players under Lee Johnson and long term injuries to key players (Martin Boyle, Aiden McGeady and Kevin Nisbet) has been a disaster. The sad passing of Ron Gordon was another huge blow to the club. So for Hibs to be in with a chance of finishing fourth and above Hearts is incredible really.
What does it meant to be top dogs in Edinburgh?
STEVO: Everything. When I was at the club I remember Jim Jefferies putting on the old VHS of Hearts wins against Hibs and it was drummed into all of us what it meant to beat them. The target was always to finish third behind the Old Firm – and that meant being above Hibs. It’s the old Craig Levein line about the natural order in Edinburgh. Hearts want to keep Hibs firmly in their place and if they don’t, I might to hide in a cave until next season.
TAM: It means everything. The bragging rights are what it’s all about in football and who can forget Craig Levein’s comments about ‘natural order’ and the Hibs fans banner when Hibs horsed them at Easter Road? Hearts love to call Hibs the ‘wee team’ but they won’t be the wee team if Hibs turn them over at Tynecastle. The atmosphere will be amazing and these are the games I really miss being involved in.
Will finishing the capital’s best side have any bearing on what happens next season?
STEVO: Not really, as there will be huge changes at both clubs over the summer. Hearts need to nail down the manager situation and whoever takes charge will want his own squad. I’ve heard Lee Johnston talking transfers as well. What I do know is it’ll be a long summer for whoever loses today.
TAM: It will definitely give Lee Johnson a bit of credit in the bank and it will cost Stevie Naismith the chance of being the Hearts manager going forward so yes it will have a bearing on both clubs. It will also give both sets of fans the bragging rights all summer. Hearts only need a point so all the pressure is on them not to get beat
Where will this game be won and lost and what’s your big prediction?
STEVO: You have to look at Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet. Both sides have players who can win the game but it will be about who turns up on the day. I believe Hearts are the better side and Naisy will have them flying out the traps. Hibs are still a bit flakey and they won’t be able to cope. Hearts 2-0 Hibs.
TAM: The game will be won and lost in the forward areas. I have been very impressed by Kevin Nisbet since he has come back from injury. He is definitely a better all round player. Elie Youan is on fire at the minute and is a match winner on his day. Hearts will fear both of them as they can do the damage. But Lawrence Shankland on the other side is someone Hibs will fear and his goals return this season has been sensational. So whichever defence keeps these guys quiet will win the game. I’m going for Hibs to edge it 2-1 and confirm that it is indeed Hearts who are the ‘wee team’ in Edinburgh. Come on the Cabbage!!
