Scottish League
2009-03-14 - Hibernian vs Hearts
A Sports Betting Pick by Stephen
Football: Scotland, Scottish Premier League
Saturday, 14th March 2009 - Kickoff 12:30
Form will go out the window today as Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian face each other in the Edinburgh derby for the fourth time this season.
HIBERNIAN
Hibs form has been poor and have won only 2 out of their last 11 games in all competions. But last time out they won 1-0 at Hamilton, a much needed 3 points as the Hibees look to a top 6 finish and will still feel they have an outside chance of a European spot.
What will be worrying for Mixu Paatelainen's side is that they have won only 1 of the last 9 SPL encounters between the 2 sides.
Paatelainen has demanded the players to be more clinical in front of goal this week as he feels they have been missing far too many good chances in front of goal.
With no cups left to play for and the possibility of missing out on the top 6, this derby game could be all thats left for Hibs this season and they can be expected to be well fired up for this one.
Hibernian Team News :
Ian Murray may return from his groin injury and the Hibees will be hoping the experienced Murray will be available after missing out on the last 2 months of action.
HEARTS
Hearts form has certainly been better than that of their rivals as they come into this game with 3 wins in their last 4 outings. Ruben Palazuelos late winner over Motherwell last week meant the Jambos are now 5 points clear over Dundee United in the race for third spot.
Hearts won here in January in the Scottish Cup and as outlined above have only lost 1 out of last 9 league encounters against their arch rivals.
The stats and recent outings may have Hearts as slight favourites but in derby games anything is possible.
Also it hasn't always been good enough on the road for Csaba Laszslo's men. They have only managed 10 goals away from home in 13 away fixtures, a statistic which should be better for a side going for third place and may just give Hibs some hope.
Hearts Team News :
Hearts will be without the injured Jason Thomson but Marius Zaliukas returns from suspension.
HEAD TO HEAD
This Season
Hibs 1-1 Hearts
Hearts 0-0 Hibs
Hibs 0-2 Hearts ( Scottish Cup )
2007/08
Hearts 0-1 Hibs
Hibs 1-1 Hearts
Hearts 1-0 Hibs
2006/07
Hibs 2-2 Hearts
Hibs 1-0 Hearts ( CIS Cup )
Hearts 3-2 Hibs
Hibs 0-1 Hearts
The Betting VERDICT
Recent form and history swings favouritism slightly in favour of visitors Hearts, but Hibs at 8/5 playing at home is good value for me.
This game is a huge one for Hibs. They are not certain to get a top 6 finish and could be last time Hibs face their arch rivals this season.
This fixture could be the last thing Hibs have to get something positive out of this season and they may just want it more. What is also noticeable from recent seasons is the low scoring.
The Pick :
HIBS 1-0 HEARTS
BEST BETTING TIP :
A narrow Hibernian win for me.and if you fancy it, Under 2.5 goals can be got for 8/13.
