Let’s have a derby!

Even as a fan of international football, I have to admit – I’ve missed the clubs. It’s good to have the break over and get back to business. This Sunday, one of the longest and best rivalries in the league gets going again – the Edinburgh derby between Hibernian and Hearts at Hibs’ own Easter Road Stadium.

These two squads have played nearly three hundred derbies, and Hearts hold a sizable edge in the all time history of the fixture. However, the most meaningful recent match went to Hibs, when they beat Hearts in the quarterfinal of the League Cup in November, a Cup that Hibs went on to win. In a tribute to the importance of the rivalry, the loudest song sung by Hibs fans after taking the Cup final was “Hibs are having a party, Hearts are in their beds.” Hearts, with their unhappy star in keeper and their constantly revolving cast of managers, will be looking for revenge on Sunday, but may not have the tools.

The Sunday derby takes on even more importance with a quick glance at the league table. Hibs lie only five points behind Hearts in the overall standings, with eight matches remaining, including another replay, this time at Tynecastle, on the second-to-last weekend of the season. A win here and they are one big step closer to taking the fourth overall place and the final UEFA Cup qualifying spot from Hearts, the final insult in the long fall from grace which has been their 2006-2007 campaign.

Category: Scottish Premier League

Tags: Edinburgh derby, Heart of Midlothian, Hearts, Hibernian, Hibs, Rivalries, Scottish Premier League, SPL

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