Hibernian and Hearts jostle for pride in Edinburgh derby
Second spot Hibernian, 7/4 with Coral to win on home turf, host Scottish Championship victors Hearts, in the always enthralling Edinburgh derby, as these two teams tussle for the fourth time this term.
The Midlothian men have not lost to Hibs in any of their last five duels, and took the spoils from their first clash this campaign, with the other two match-ups ending on even terms. Having stormed to the Championship title, the Jam Tarts are are a terrific 6/4 chance to take the spoils here, or 23/10 to draw.
On-loan striker Genero Zeefuik has grabbed 10 goals in 12 games, but it set to return to parent club Groningen next month. However, the flying Dutchman has his eye on making the Edinburgh derby memorable before he departs, and is 9/2 to net the opener, or 6/5 in the anytime market.
“Everybody talks about Hibs. They say it’s a great game to play in. If I can score against the Hibs then it would be fantastic. If I can score and maybe we win 1-0, I will be very happy,” the 25-year-old told media.
Fellow Hearts forwards Soufian El Hassnaoui and Osman sow are also available to back, and are a tempting 2/1 and 7/4 to strike anytime and hurt Hibs.
Easter Road outfit Hibernian, meanwhile, bounced back with victory over Dumbarton last time out, following three straight losses, and will be aiming to stay on track.
Local pride is at stake, so Hibs academy product Jason Cummings, aged just 19, is great value at 7/1 to score first and add to his terrific tally of 16 for the season across all competitions. Meanwhile, striking peer Dominique Malonga, who has 10 in 20 league appearances, is 2/1 in the anytime market.
Hibs coach Alan Stubbs certainly seems to believe his band of merry men can claim their first win of the season against Hearts, and told press: “During our previous three meetings this season, nobody can argue with the fact the games have been evenly matched – the margins have been incredibly fine and have provided great entertainment for the neutrals.
“Now after some near misses, our group of players are determined to go one better today and win.”
