Hibernian vs Hearts of Midlothian prediction 03.09.2026 | Premiership
Hibernian
Kick off:
Date:
Hearts
1
2.51
X
3.32
2
2.69
Contents
- Competition: Scotland - Premiership
- Date: Thursday, 3rd, September 2026
- Kickoff: 19:45 UK / 20.45 CEST
- Venue: Easter Road (Edinburgh)
One of Scottish football’s oldest and most ferocious rivalries is set to divide Edinburgh once again on Thursday night, as Hibernian welcome Hearts of Midlothian to a roaring Easter Road for the first capital derby of the 2026–27 season.
With both sides having gathered six points from their opening three league fixtures, this high-voltage clash offers far more than just traditional local bragging rights. It presents a golden opportunity for the victor to cement their place among the early pace-setters of the Scottish Premiership.
Hibernian vs Hearts Head to Head (H2H) stats
-
Hibernian
1 : 2
Hearts
Premiership
-
Hearts
1 : 0
Hibernian
Premiership
-
Hibernian
3 : 2
Hearts
Premiership
-
Hearts
1 : 0
Hibernian
Premiership
-
Hibernian
2 : 1
Hearts
Premiership
-
Hearts
1 : 2
Hibernian
Premiership
This marquee matchup will mark the 172nd historical meeting between these two eternal city rivals. Hearts hold a clear upper hand in this iconic fixture, having come out on top in 73 encounters compared to Hibernian's 43 victories, while the points have been shared in 55 draws.
Hibernian team overview
Hibernian responded to their opening-day 2-1 defeat against Motherwell in the best possible manner, bouncing back with consecutive and identical 2-1 victories on demanding away trips to Rangers and Dundee.
Their continental campaign reached a painful conclusion last week following a 3-2 aggregate defeat against Belgian side Gent at Easter Road, after the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff round had ended in a scoreless draw in Belgium.
While deeply disappointed to miss out on the newly formatted league phase of European football, the Hibees can now focus their undivided attention on the Scottish Premiership. Their back-to-back domestic triumphs clearly demonstrate that they have not allowed their European setback to dent their confidence.
On the injury front, Rocky Bushiri remains sidelined for the foreseeable future due to a severe Achilles tendon injury. Fortunately for manager David Gray, the defender is the only confirmed absentee, meaning the head coach will have the exact same starting XI available that brilliantly outplayed both Rangers and Dundee.
Last matches of Hibernian
-
Dundee
1 : 2
Hibernian
Premiership
-
Hibernian
2 : 3
K.A.A. Gent
Europa Conference League
-
K.A.A. Gent
0 : 0
Hibernian
Europa Conference League
-
Hibernian
1 : 0
Partick Thistle
League Cup
-
Skendija 79
0 : 0
Hibernian
Europa Conference League
Hibernian lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Raphael Sallinger
Defenders
-
21
Jordan Obita
-
6
Jason Kerr
-
4
Grant Hanley
-
25
Felix Passlack
Midfielders
-
23
Callum Wright
-
24
Jacob Devaney
-
8
Josh Mulligan
Forwards
-
17
Jamie McGrath
-
9
Nathan Lowe
-
10
Martin Boyle
Hearts of Midlothian team overview
On the flip side, Hearts of Midlothian have mirrored their Thursday hosts' start to the season perfectly. They quickly brushed off an opening-round 2-1 defeat at Aberdeen by securing back-to-back home victories, dismantling Dundee United 4-0 before edging past St. Johnstone 2-1.
In sharp contrast to Hibernian's continental heartbreak, the Jambos successfully navigated a grueling, 120-minute battle against Austrian outfit SK Rapid, emerging victorious in a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout to book their spot in the UEFA Conference League phase.
While playing a fourth high-stakes match in the span of just 15 days will heavily test the squad’s physical conditioning, Wouter Vrancken’s men will draw immense confidence from their recent dominance in this capital rivalry, having defeated Hibernian in three of their four league derbies last term.
However, Hearts face a genuine selection crisis ahead of Thursday's showdown. Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley, and Ageu are completely ruled out with long-term injuries, while midfielder Tom Renaud remains a major doubt after picking up a knock during the midweek marathon against Rapid.
Last matches of Hearts
-
Hearts
2 : 1
St. Johnstone
Premiership
-
Rapid Wien
3 : 4
Hearts
Europa Conference League
-
Hearts
2 : 2
Rapid Wien
Europa Conference League
-
Hearts
6 : 2
Inverness CT
League Cup
-
Hearts
1 : 1
Benfica
Europa League
Hearts lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Beau Reus
Defenders
-
2
Christian Borchgrevink
-
17
Stuart Findlay
-
6
Oisin McEntee
-
23
Jordi Altena
Midfielders
-
78
Laurent Mendy
-
22
Tómas Bent Magnússon
-
15
Josh McPake
-
10
Cláudio Braga
-
29
Sabah Kerjota
Forwards
-
21
James Wilson
Prediction
The first Edinburgh derby of the new season arrives at a moment when both sides have plenty of reasons for optimism. Hibernian have finally found a winning rhythm on the domestic scene and will be eager to avenge last season's head-to-head failures. On the flip side, Hearts arrive carrying massive psychological momentum, fueled by their brilliant European heroics in Vienna and an impressive run of three wins from their last four matches across all competitions.
The Jambos certainly possess the raw individual quality and recent derby tradition on their side, but a highly demanding, congested schedule could drastically sap their energy levels as the match progresses. Conversely, the Hibees have shown defensive vulnerabilities, conceding in each of their opening three league fixtures, making a complete shutout against their clinical visitors highly unlikely.
In a fierce derby where raw emotion frequently overrides tactical blueprints, expect a tight, physically demanding war of attrition alongside moments of real quality in front of both goals. While Hearts possess the tools to strike first, the electric Easter Road atmosphere and the physical freshness of the hosts should ultimately help Hibernian secure at least a hard-fought point against their bitterest rivals.
Four Reasons we expect BTTS - Yes
- Every single one of Hibernian’s opening three Premiership matches has seen both teams find the back of the net, making them a staple for early-season drama.
- Hibernian have displayed excellent consistency on familiar turf, successfully scoring in each of their opening five home fixtures across all competitions.
- Keeping opponents out has proven a monumental challenge for Hearts, with each of their last five consecutive competitive outings witnessing goals at both ends.
- Historical consistency points toward an open game, as the last two head-to-head meetings between these bitter capital rivals have produced goals at both ends.
Main prediction Hibernian - Hearts
Both Teams to Score
Best Odds:
Melbet
1.70
Hibernian vs Hearts standings in Premiership
| 1st Phase | P | W | D | L |
G - A
|
GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celtic | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 - 2 | +6 | 9 |
| 2 | St. Mirren | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 - 3 | +3 | 7 |
| 3 | Hearts | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 - 3 | +4 | 6 |
| 4 | Dundee | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 - 3 | +2 | 6 |
| 5 | Hibernian | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 - 4 | +1 | 6 |
| 6 | Motherwell | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 - 4 | +1 | 5 |
| 7 | Rangers | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 - 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 8 | Dundee United | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 - 7 | -2 | 4 |
| 9 | St. Johnstone | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 - 6 | -1 | 3 |
| 10 | Aberdeen | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 - 4 | -2 | 3 |
| 11 | Falkirk | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 - 4 | -3 | 1 |
| 12 | Kilmarnock | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 - 13 | -9 | 0 |