Hearts are overwhelming favourites to beat Hibs in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden, according to our writers' predictions.
Form and Team News
At Hearts, Wouter Vrancken has settled in nicely. Disaster against Celtic aside, their domestic form has been impressive and they head to Hampden high on confidence that they can pick up another Hampden win over their rivals.
At Hibs, it has been a poor start for Marink Reedijk, whose side stumbled to more dropped points away to St Mirren last time out, and cannot seem to buy a win.
Predictions from Our Writers
Ross Pilcher predicts a 2-0 Hearts win, saying: "They have a ton of injuries but still look too strong for Hibs. The Easter Road side are struggling to get to grips with a new way of playing under Marink Reedijk and have yet to find an identity and lack quality in the final third."
Robbie Copeland also fancies a 1-0 Hearts win, noting: "It's been a tough start for Marink Reedijk and I don't see it getting much easier here. Hearts aren't quite what they were last season but their domestic form has still largely been impressive under Wouter Vrancken."
Andy Newport goes for 2-0, saying: "The Jambos have enjoyed some memorable days out against their city rivals at Hampden and I expect this to be another. Hearts have recovered well from their last trip to Glasgow when Celtic took seven off them."
Daniel Caw also predicts 2-0, adding: "I know derby matches often throw up wild and unexpected results, none more so than this particular derby, but I really can't see anything other than a Hearts victory."
Gavin Berry rounds off the predictions with a 3-1 Hearts win, saying: "It's hard to see anything other than a victory for Wouter Vrancken's men."
All five writers expect Hearts to progress to the final, with the form book pointing one way despite the unpredictable nature of derby day.
