It's derby day in the capital as the league season draws to a close as Hearts and Hibs meet in a blockbuster clash.
After a season of twists and turns for both Edinburgh clubs it all comes down to this, a shootout for fourth and the chance of a crack at Europe next season. Both managers have named their sides to do battle in the last ditch race to finish in the top four. There is the real possibility fifth will also land a spot in European competition but the chance to secure that by close of play today and not need to wait on Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final next week will heavily appeal to both sides.
Steven Naismith goes into this one knowing that a draw will be enough to put enough daylight between Hearts (currently) in fourth and their city rivals. The interim Hearts boss has already tasted defeat after being dumped at Easter Road in his first game in charge after replacing Robbie Neilson. Today he's got the chance to put things right after his side lost their grip on third place.
READ MORE: Lee Johnson in Hibs 'toe-to-toe' Celtic verdict as they set up Hearts Europe showdown
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Naismith will be wary of the task ahead with Lee Johnson's men arriving to Tynecastle on the back of a statement victory over Celtic with his side beating the champions 4-2 at Easter Road midweek. Both managers have named strong sides as they go into this final day derby duel.
Barrie McKay returns to the team for Hearts, whilst Johnson has brought back Chris Cadden into the fold.
Lawrence Shankland will seek to continue his fine derby form this season after netting four times in the four capital clashes this season. Josh Ginelly will be support the captain in attack. Elie Youan will be a threat for the Leith side after his brace against the Hoops as he starts up top with Nisbet who was the match winner last month against the Jambos.
Speaking ahead of the huge last day clash Naismith said: “It’s a big game. Every derby game is. We’re at home and with it being a derby you want to win the game, so pressure comes with that."
Meanwhile Johnson called on his side to take the game to Hearts. The Hibs boss said: "There’s a real prize at the end of it isn’t there. Europe is a big thing for us, we want to be in Europe consistently.
"We affectively have two shots at that now; one is beating Hearts and the second is Celtic winning the cup final. We want it in our own hands and on our own merit, and that opportunity is there for us.
“We’re Hibs, so we want to win every game of football we play. We need to play like that."
Hearts XI: Clark, Haring, Shankland, Atkinson, Devlin, Rowles, McKay, Cochrane, Ginelly, Hill, Oda
Subs: Stewart, Smith, Grant, Kio, Halliday, Sibbick, Tait, Kuol
Hibs XI: Marshall, Miller, Hanlon, Doyle-Hayes, Newell, Cadden, Jeggo, Nisbet, Stevenson, Youan, Fish
Subs: Johnson, Cabraja, Hoppe, Devlin, Henderson, McKirdy, Campbell, Rocky, Delferriere
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