Hearts have named the same side that demolished Aberdeen 5-0 in midweek, for the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian at Easter Road this afternoon. If the game didn't need any more extra incentives, a place in the 5th round of the Scottish Cup is at stake for the victor, with expectant fanbases on both sides desperate to see their club win silverware once again.
Robbie Neilson's men have been on an excellent run of form since the return of Scottish Football following the break for the World Cup, and go into the derby unbeaten in their last eight matches, five of which have been victories. The Tynecastle side now have a commanding seven point lead in 3rd spot in the Premiership, making them clear favourites to retain the spot come the end of the season.
And they will head across the city to face their bitter rivals full of confidence from the last meeting between the two teams.
READ MORE: Hearts star Stephen Kingsley in Hibs Scottish Cup warning as he roars 'we can play a lot better'
A brace from talisman Lawrence Shankland and a goal from Stephen Humphrys secured a 3-0 win for the Jambos in Gorgie 20 days ago.
On the flip side, Lee Johnson is coming under increasing pressure at Hibs, and defeat in the derby could spell the end of his short tenure as manager, having only been appointed in Leith last summer. The Hibees have won just three of their last 12 matches in the league, which now sees them sit 11 points behind their city rivals in sixth place.
But Kevin Nisbet has been in red hot form since his return from a lengthy injury, netting seven times in his last six appearances, and the striker will have to be on top form once again if Hibs are to come out on top in today's huge clash.
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Robbie Neilson has made unchanged side for the trip to Easter Road, although new striker Garang Kuol, who has joined the club on loan from Newcastle United, will hope to make his debut for the Jambos off the bench.
James Hill plays in the back three alongside Toby Sibbick and Kye Rowles, with Michael Smith and Alex Cochrane as the wing backs.
Robert Snodgrass and Cammy Devlin are in midfield, and will support the front three of Josh Ginnelly, Barry McKay and leading goalscorer Shankland.
Hearts starting XI to face Hibs: Clark, Hill, Sibbick, Rowles, Smith, Devlin, Snodgrass, Cochrane, Ginnelly, McKay, Shankland
Subs: Stewart, Atkinson, Forrest, Grant, Humphrys, Kingsley, Kiomourtzoglou, Kuol, Oda
READ NEXT:
- Robbie Neilson admits Hearts' win over Aberdeen means NOTHING as he reveals half-time message
- Michael Smith on THAT Toby Sibbick pass as he opens up on Hearts' demolition of Aberdeen
- Hearts 5 Aberdeen 0 three things we learned as Jambos hammer dreadful Dons in third-place battle
- Kye Rowles and agent land 'outstanding' Robbie Neilson verdict as Hearts contract talks detailed
