Hibernian and Hearts head into Sunday's Edinburgh derby having both enjoyed strong starts to the new Scottish Premiership campaign.
Maximum points were recorded from their opening encounters and they will each expect to extend their form at Easter Road.
Match preview
© Reuters
After last season's terrific third-placed finish, Hearts boss Robbie Neilson will be aware that expectations have risen ahead of this campaign.
While challenging Celtic and Rangers for a spot in the top two is not realistic, Neilson knows that being the best of the rest with a similar points total should be the club's target.
For that to be achieved, a fast start feels imperative, and Hearts got up and running with a 2-1 victory over Ross County at Tynecastle last weekend.
Second-half goals from Alan Forrest and Barrie McKay put their side in control, with Jordan White's effort 11 minutes from time proving to be no more than a consolation.
Although Neilson will have one eye on trying to qualify for the Europa League group stages later this month, focus cannot be lost on the domestic scene, particularly with a trip to Celtic to come on August 21.
In contrast to their city rivals, Hibs endured a difficult 2021-22, eventually finishing as low as eighth position in the table.
With Lee Johnson now at the helm, the club's supporters expect much better, and Hibs got off to the ideal start with a 1-0 success at St Johnstone.
However, it required a last-gasp goal from Josh Campbell, despite the visitors playing with a man advantage for the final 32 minutes of the contest.
Although that win proved to be a struggle, Johnson will not care given their surprise early exit from the Scottish League Cup.
- W
- W
- L
- W
- D
- W
- W
Team News
© Reuters
Despite coming off the substitutes' bench to score the winner last weekend, Campbell may have to make do with a spot among the Hibs replacements.
However, Christian Doidge and Demetri Mitchell are both pushing for recalls after featuring during the final quarter versus St Johnstone.
The likes of Aiden McGeady, Kyule Magennis and Kevin Nisbet all remain on the sidelines.
Neilson expects Nathaniel Atkinson to be available after the right wing-back was forced off through illness against Ross County.
Liam Boyce is an alternative to Lawrence Shankland, but Neilson will give consideration to sticking with the same Hearts XI.
Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Marshall; Cadden, Bushiri, Porteous, Cabraja; Kenneh, Newell; Melkersen, Henderson, Tavares; Youan
Hearts possible starting lineup:
Gordon; Gordon; Sibbick, Halkett, Rowles; Atkinson, Haring, Smith, Cochrane; Forrest, Shankland, McKay
We say: Hibernian 1-1 Hearts
Taking last season's form into consideration, Hearts deserve to be regarded as the marginal favourites for this contest. Nevertheless, Hibs may benefit from the extra game time under their belts, leading us to predict a competitive share of the spoils at Easter Road.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
