Hibs vs Hearts – Can the Hibees keep unbeaten run going at the Jambos’ expense?

The Hibees play host to the Jambos in the 3rd Edinburgh derby of the season on Sunday afternoon.

David Gray’s side will be looking to top off an impressive week of results and get themselves into 3rd place. A feat that seems rather incredible given the team’s form at the start of the season.

Hibs are currently on their longest unbeaten run in the league since the 2017/18 season under Neil Lennon, a run that is regarded by Hibs fans as one of the most enjoyable periods of watching the club.

The Cabbage are yet to lose a derby under David Gray with the 2-1 win on Boxing Day and the 1-1 draw earlier in the season. After that draw, Hibs were bottom of the league on just 9 points with Hearts in the place above them. Hibs are now 4th in the league with Hearts in 6th place, something that seemed so unlikely after the 1st derby of the season.

TEAM NEWS

David Gray has confirmed both Elie Youan and Dylan Levitt will be available for tomorrow’s match. Youan has been out of action since the last Edinburgh derby on Boxing Day, suffering from a toe injury. Levitt had been suffering from a knee injury, but is set to return to the squad tomorrow. Unfortunately, club captain Joe Newell still misses out with a secondary injury. The Englishman is the only player unavailable for Hibs on Sunday.

The Jambos will be without Aussie Cammy Devlin, who is out with concussion. Defenders Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley and Frankie Kent all remain unavailable.

KEY BATTLE

Rocky Bushiri vs Elton Kabangu

Rocky has been a stellar performer in this Hibs side, his remarkable injury hampered sprint back to his own goal against Celtic to stop a definite goal was just one example of the defender’s character, determination and commitment to the Hibees.

Elton Kabangu has certainly taken the league by storm since his January arrival from Union St Gilloise. The striker has netted 5 goals in just 6 matches and could be key for the Jambos, if they are to get a result on Sunday.

Kabangu’s sheer pace is something to look out for, however, Rocky has shown he certainly can keep up with some of the fastest players in the league. Hibs will need to be wary of the striker’s movement at all times, remaining focused and concentrated, or he could be one that slips through the cracks and makes the difference in the game.

The Edinburgh derby will be live on Sky Sports at 12.30pm, with a win for the Cabbage pushing them up to 3rd place, due to Aberdeen and Dundee United facing off in the 'new firm' derby at 3pm.

It is set to be a full house at Easter Road on Sunday, as the Hibees look to continue their 14-match unbeaten run at the expense of bitter rivals Hearts.

Feature Image Credit – SNS Group

Original article can be found at: https://leithlights.wordpress.com/2025/03/01/hibs-vs-hearts-can-the-hibees-keep-unbeaten-run-going-at-the-expense-of-hearts/