Hibernian are seeking three successive league Edinburgh derby victories for the first time since 1922, with last season's 2-1 win at Tynecastle ending a sequence of seven successive winless trips to Gorgie. Heart of Midlothian have won just one of their last eight against their city rivals.
Hearts vs Hibs preview
While Glasgow's big two are enduring a season of misery, Edinburgh is the place to be for optimism, so who will continue their unbeaten start to the Premiership season on Saturday night?
Of the two, it is Heart of Midlothian who are loving life just that little bit more right now, kicking off top of the table. At the start of the season, new investor Tony Bloom was widely mocked when he stated that Hearts would win the title in the next decade but, the way they're going, this could happen in one year. Last weekend, the Jambos swatted aside Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle, thanks to goals from Alexandros Kyziridis, Lawrence Shankland and then Craig Halkett.
So, having also won 2-0 against Rangers in their previous outing, a first win at Ibrox for 11 years, Derek McInnes' side proudly sit top of the table, two points clear of Celtic, who they welcome to Gorgie later this month. That will be a huge fixture, but games don't come any bigger for these supporters than the Edinburgh derby, so will Hearts continue their flying start to the season here?
Hibernian meantime are also unbeaten in this season's Scottish Premiership, albeit in slightly less spectacular fashion. Last weekend, David Gray's team battled to a goalless draw at Celtic Park, goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger making some impressive saves, but they were far from battered by the champions. Thus, Hibs have now drawn five successive league games, their sole victory coming over Dundee on the opening weekend, with Kieron Bowie bagging a brace at Dens Park back then.
Unlike their neighbours, the Hibees were involved in European competition earlier this season, certainly giving a good account of themselves. They were ousted from Europa League qualifying by Midtjylland, before notably beating Partizan Belgrade, memorably winning 2-0 in Serbia, but missing out on a spot in the league phase, ousted 5-4 in the Conference League play-offs by Legia Warszawa, all three ties going the distance and into extra time.
Gray's side also finished last season in excellent form, meaning they've remarkably lost just two of 31 Premiership matches since 7 December, and, despite ultimate disappointment, the mini-European run helped build belief and confidence, thereby dreaming of bettering last season's third-place finish. Thus, Tynecastle will be absolutely rocking on Saturday evening for the latest instalment of the Edinburgh derby, one that is truly to close to call.
Heart of Midlothian vs Hibernian head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 341.
- Heart of Midlothian Wins: 149. Draws: 103. Hibernian Wins: 89.
Hearts team news
42 year old goalkeeper Craig Gordon was recalled to the Scotland squad this week, despite having not played a single minute this season due to a shoulder injury, so Alexander Schwolow will start for a third successive match, having usurped Zander Clark as number one following his arrival.
Derek McInnes has named identical starting lineups for the wins over Rangers and Falkirk, set to be unchanged against, with fans' favourite Cláudio Braga leading the attack alongside the captain.
Heart of Midlothian predicted lineup vs Hibernian: (4-4-2): Schwolow; McEntee, Halkett, Findlay, Kingsley; Devlin, Baningime, Milne, Kyziridis; Braga, Shankland.
Hearts player to watch vs Hibs
Lawrence Shankland's goal last weekend was his seventh of the campaign already, having only netted nine times throughout the entire previous campaign. He does though have ten career goals against Hibs to his name, baggins six in Edinburgh derbies, so will he be the Hearts hero again?
Hibs team news
Captain Joe Newell is still yet to feature this season following abdominal surgery, while fellow midfielders Jamie McGrath and Miguel Chaiwa are both doubts, after being forced off at Celtic Park.
Summer signing Grant Hanley will get his first taste of the Edinburgh derby, once again deployed at the heart of David Gray's back three, but centre-back Rocky Bushiri and striker Élie Youan could both miss out due to knocks. One player who will start is Kieron Bowie, having made his Scotland debut in Liechtenstein in June, looking to add to his four goals so far this season.
Hibernian predicted lineup vs Heart of Midlothian: (3-5-2): Sallinger; Iredale, Hanley, Obita; Mulligan, Levitt, Barlaser, Campbell, Cadden; Boyle, Bowie.
Hibs player to watch vs Hearts
Martin Boyle netted three times during Conference League qualifying, before opening his Premiership account for the campaign at Falkirk last month. The Australian international has previously netted four times against Hearts, including bagging both during a 2-0 victory at Tynecastle on Boxing Day 2019, so can he sent the away stand into raptures on Saturday?
Hearts vs Hibs prediction
The Edinburgh derby is always a fantastic occasion, but this one even more so, under the lights at Tynecastle, while both teams on the park are in excellent form. Thus, it is so difficult to call, but we're giving the slight edge to Hearts, backing the Jambos to make home advantage count: Heart of Midlothian 2-1 Hibernian.
Heart of Midlothian vs Hibernian FAQs - Scottish Premiership
How to watch Heart of Midlothian vs Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on TV channel?
Heart of Midlothian vs Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Premier Sports 2
- USA: Paramount+
How to watch Heart of Midlothian vs Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on live streaming?
Heart of Midlothian vs Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Premier Sports Player
- USA: Paramount+
What is the date and kick-off time for Heart of Midlothian vs Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership?
Heart of Midlothian vs Hibernian takes place on Saturday 4 October 2025, with kick off at 17:45 (BST), 12:45 (EDT) & 9:45 (PDT).