Hearts have won only two of their last nine Edinburgh derby, with Hibs enjoying three victories during this timeframe.
In Leith, the Hibees are seeking back-to-back derby victories for the first time since 2018, while the Jambos have won five of their last 11 visits to Easter Road, one of which came exactly two years ago to the day.
Hibs vs Hearts preview
This match marks the 150th anniversary of the Edinburgh derby, first contested on Christmas Day in 1875, but few in recent history have had the potential to be as important as this meeting.
That's because Heart of Midlothian have spent Christmas Day top of the table for the first time since 1991, seeking a first title since 1960, while no club outwith the Old Firm has been crowned champions since Sir Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen in 1985. Well, Derek McInnes' side reiterated their credentials last Sunday by comprehensively beating Rangers 2-1 at Tynecastle, with Stuart Findlay and then Lawrence Shankland scoring quick-fire goals in Gorgie.
As a result, Hearts kick off six points clear at the top, having lost only once all season thus far. The Jambos have also won all four matches they have played against Celtic and Rangers to date, the first team to achieve that since Dundee in 1985. So now, can Hearts extend their lead at the top with a victory over their fierce local rivals at Easter Road on Saturday lunchtime?
As for Hibernian, their supporters would love to derail Hearts' title charge, but three points would be important for them too. Last weekend, David Gray's team were held to a 1-1 draw by Dundee United at Tannadice; Martin Boyle equalising on the cusp of half time.
This means Hibs have won only one of their last five, despite having lost just one of the previous six, winning four of them. The Hibees inconsistent form leaves them fifth, thereby occupying the final potential European spot, but just a point above Aberdeen and Falkirk, thereby far from guaranteed a place in the top six.
Back in October, Craig Halkett's dramatic injury time header saw Hearts beat Hibs 1-0 right at the death at Easter Road, sparking wild scenes of celebration. This is always a fixture not to be missed, but the Jambos' title challenge means the stakes are raised, so who will claim capital city bragging rights and three precious points?
Hibernian vs Heart of Midlothian head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 342.
- Hibernian Wins: 89. Draws: 103. Heart of Midlothian Wins: 150.
Hibernian team news
David Gray is without Jordan Obita, Rocky Bushiri and Miguel Chaiwa due to the Africa Cup of Nations, all of whom are key absentees.
Compared the last weekend's lineup, club captain Joe Newell could return to midfield, while Kieron Bowie is likely to once again lead the line, chosen over Élie Youan, Junior Hoilett and Thibault Klidjé.
Hibernian predicted lineup vs Heart of Midlothian: (4-3-3): Sallinger; Megwa, Iredale, Hanley, Mitchell, Cadden; Newell, McGrath, Mulligan; Boyle, Bowie.
Hibernian player to watch vs Heart of Midlothian
Martin Boyle scored his eighth of the season at Tannadice last weekend, while the Australian international has previously scored four times in Edinburgh derbies, including the opener in a 2-1 victory last season.
Heart of Midlothian team news
There is little reason for Derek McInnes to change a winning formula, especially with Calem Nieuwenhof, Beni Baningime, Ageu and Finlay Pollock all injured, while Pierre Landry Kaboré is representing Burkina Faso at the Cup of Nations.
Harry Milne will return at left-back, having been suspended against Rangers, with Tómas Bent Magnússon chosen over Blair Spittal in midfield. Much of Hearts' threat comes from wingers Alexandros Kyziridis and Cláudio Braga, who have 16 goals and 11 assists between them this season.
Heart of Midlothian predicted lineup vs Hibernian: (4-3-3): Schwolow; Steinwender, Kent, Findlay, Milne; Devlin, McEntee, Magnússon, Kyziridis, Braga; Shankland.
Heart of Midlothian player to watch vs Hibernian
The Jambos' talisman remains Lawrence Shankland, who scored his 12th of the season frm an acute angle against Rangers last Sunday, with the striker now seeking to add to his ten career goals against Hibs.
Hibs vs Hearts prediction
Edinburgh derbies are usually tight affairs making this fixture often tough to call, but we are backing Hearts to claim three priceless points in their pursuit of the title: Hibernian 1-2 Heart of Midlothian.
Hibs vs Hearts FAQs - Scottish Premiership
How to watch Hibernian vs Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership on TV channel?
Hibernian vs Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Football & Ultra HD.
- USA: CBS Sports Network & Paramount+
- Australia: beIN Sports Connect
How to watch Hibernian vs Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership on live streaming?
Hibernian vs Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
- Australia: beIN Sports Connect
What is the date and kick-off time for Hibernian vs Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership?
Hibernian vs Heart of Midlothian takes place on Saturday 27 December 2025, with kick off at 12:30 (GMT), 7:30 (ET) & 4:30 (PT).