Hibernian v Hearts preview

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Hibs remain in second place on goal difference above Rangers having arrested a three-match losing run with a win at Dumbarton on Wednesday, while Rangers lost 3-0 at Queen of the South 24 hours later. 

Hibs are hopeful midfielders Dylan McGeouch (ankle) and Scott Robertson (hamstring) will be fit for action, but defender Keith Watson (hamstring) is a doubt, while right-back David Gray (hamstring) is out for another few weeks.

Jordon Foster made his return from injury at the Bet Butler stadium and is expected to keep his place while Farid El Alagui – who made his first start since the end of August in Dunbartonshire – is also expected to feature again.

Sunday’s match is the fourth meeting this season – with Hearts winning the first and the other two ending in 1-1 draws.

Manager Alan Stubbs said: “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 the match which will give everybody a huge lift heading into our final series of important matches.

Hearts will restore a number of key players to the squad for the trip to Easter Road.

Genero Zeefuik, Alim Ozturk, Jamie Walker and Osman Sow were all rested on Wednesday evening for the 3-0 win over Alloa but Robbie Neilson will recall that quartet for the visit to Leith. Hearts have lost only one of the last eight Edinburgh derbies.  

Zeefuik is targeting a winning goal as a farewell gift to the Hearts support. The Dutch forward – who has scored 10 goals in 12 games – returns to FC Groningen next month when his loan deal expires.

The fans’ favourite told the Evening News: “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.

“I just want to play well for the team and for my team-mates. I try to do that in every game but if you are a striker then it is your job to score goals.

“Everybody says Hibs is the game of the season. I know it’s a big game. A lot of people will be in the stadium so we will see what happens on Sunday.”

Watch Hibs take on Hearts at Easter Road from 2pm this Sunday, live on Sky Sports 5 from 2.00pm

Hibernian v Hearts preview

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Colin Nish remains a doubt for the hosts. The striker suffered an ankle injury in scoring during the 4-2 loss at Aberdeen in Colin Calderwood’s first match in charge and missed last Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Dundee United.

David Wotherspoon should be fit to return after missing out at Tannadice, with Graham Stack (back), Darryl Duffy (metatarsal) and Merouane Zemmama (knee) still out.

Hearts winger Suso Santana is expected to be fit for the Edinburgh derby.

Santana missed two days of training following last Sunday’s 3-0 loss at home to Kilmarnock but returned on Wednesday.

Jefferies has no other fresh concerns, with Andrew Driver (thigh), David Obua (groin) and Lee Wallace (knee) still absent.

Hibernian (from): Brown, Wotherspoon, Hogg, Bamba, De Graaf, Miller, Rankin, Nish, Riordan, Hanlon, Thicot, Stevenson, Galbraith, Dickoh, Grounds, McBride, Murray, Smith.

Hearts (from): Kello, Barr, Bouzid, Zaliukas, Stevenson, Palazuelos, Templeton, Elliot, Elliott, Santana, Balogh, Kyle, Jonsson, Mrowiec, J Thomson, C Thomson, Skacel, Novikovas.