Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Scottish Premiership (Matchweek 26) |
| Date | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 1:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh |
| Current Form | Hearts: LWDWW / Hibernian: WDLDW |
Key Facts
- Hearts currently lead the Scottish Premiership with 54 points from 25 matches, holding a three-point advantage over second-placed Rangers.
- Derek McInnes has guided Hearts to an impressive record of 16 wins, 6 draws, and just 3 defeats in league play this season.
- Hearts remain unbeaten at Tynecastle Park in league competition with 8 wins and 4 draws from 12 home fixtures.
- Hibernian secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Dundee United in their last outing, ending a four-game winless streak.
- Hibs have won three of the last four Edinburgh derby encounters, including a 3-2 triumph at Easter Road in December 2025.
- Hearts suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to St Mirren last week, conceding an 88th-minute winner.
- Hibernian sit fifth in the standings with 39 points, three points clear of sixth-placed Falkirk.
Hearts vs Hibernian Preview
The Edinburgh derby returns to Tynecastle Park as Hearts look to bounce back from their recent setback against St Mirren.
McInnes faces a crucial test as his side attempts to extend their lead at the summit before facing Rangers in a title showdown on Sunday.
The Jambos have built their success on home dominance, and their fortress mentality at Tynecastle has been central to their championship challenge.
Hibernian arrive with renewed confidence after their comeback victory over Dundee United.
David Gray’s squad demonstrated resilience by overturning a deficit in the final minutes, with debutant Ante Suto scoring the winner.
The visitors carry momentum from their recent derby success and will aim to complete a league double over their city rivals for the first time in recent memory.
The tactical battle promises intrigue as Hearts’ structured approach meets Hibernian’s counter-attacking threat.
McInnes typically employs a disciplined 4-3-3 formation that emphasizes width and quick transitions, while Gray has favored a flexible 3-4-3 system that allows his wing-backs to push forward aggressively.
Team News and Injuries
Hearts Injury List
Hearts face significant personnel challenges heading into this crucial fixture.
Lawrence Shankland, the captain and leading scorer, remains sidelined with injury, depriving the hosts of their primary goal threat.
The absence of Shankland has forced McInnes to rely more heavily on Claudio Braga, who has responded with 10 league goals this season.
Craig Halkett serves a suspension and will miss the derby, creating a defensive reshuffle.
The experienced center-back’s absence weakens Hearts’ aerial presence and organizational structure at the back. Frankie Kent is expected to step in alongside Stuart Findlay in central defense.
Additional absentees include Calem Nieuwenhof, Cameron Devlin, Finlay Pollock, and Stephen Kingsley.
Devlin’s absence particularly impacts Hearts’ midfield balance, as the Australian international provides crucial defensive screening and ball progression.
Hibernian Injury List
Hibernian’s injury concerns center on defensive personnel.
Warren O’Hora remains unavailable, limiting Gray’s options in central defense.
The Irish defender’s absence has been felt throughout the campaign, as his physical presence and distribution from the back are difficult to replicate.
Chris Cadden continues his recovery and will not feature, reducing depth at wing-back.
Grant Hanley and Josh Mulligan also remain on the treatment table, though their absences have been factored into Gray’s planning for several weeks.
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Shankland’s absence represents the most significant blow for either side.
The Hearts captain has been instrumental in their title challenge, and his goal-scoring instincts are irreplaceable.
Braga must shoulder increased responsibility, but the Portuguese forward operates differently, preferring to drift wide rather than occupy central areas.
Halkett’s suspension forces Hearts to adjust their defensive partnerships at a critical juncture.
The disruption to established relationships could create vulnerabilities that Hibernian’s attacking players will seek to exploit.
Kent lacks Halkett’s experience in high-pressure derby situations, which may prove decisive in tight moments.
Predicted Hearts vs Hibernian Lineups and Formations
Hearts (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Schwolow
Defense: Steinwender, Kent, Findlay, Milne
Midfield: McEntee, Baningime, Leonard
Attack: Kyziridis, Braga, Kabore
McInnes will likely maintain his preferred 4-3-3 structure despite personnel changes.
Baningime anchors the midfield, providing defensive stability and allowing Leonard and McEntee to support attacks.
Braga operates as the central striker, though he frequently drops deep to link play. Kyziridis and Kabore offer width and pace on the flanks.
Hibernian (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper: Sallinger
Defense: Garananga, Kiranga, Iredale
Midfield: Passlack, Chaiwa, Barlaser, Obita
Attack: Boyle, Suto, Youan
Gray’s 3-4-3 formation maximizes attacking potential while maintaining defensive solidity.
The three center-backs provide coverage when wing-backs advance. Garananga and Passlack made successful debuts against Dundee United and should retain their places.
Suto’s winning goal earned him a starting role, and his movement between the lines could trouble Hearts’ reshuffled defense.
Where to Watch Live?
Fans in India can watch the match through Hearts TV, Hibs TV, and Onefootball (subscriptions required).
In the United Kingdom, Premier Sports 1 and Premier Sports Player provide coverage.
International viewers can access the match through various regional broadcasters, including beIN Sports in Australia, Paramount+ in the USA, and Sport TV in Portugal.
Statistical Analysis and Head-to-Head
Hearts have accumulated 47 goals in 25 league matches, demonstrating their attacking prowess.
Their defensive record of just 20 goals conceded highlights the balance McInnes has achieved. The Jambos average 1.88 goals per game while conceding just 0.8, creating a positive goal difference of 27.
Hibernian’s statistics show 41 goals scored and 30 conceded, reflecting a more open style. Their goal difference of 11 indicates competitive matches with regular scoring at both ends. Gray’s side averages 1.64 goals per game while conceding 1.2.
Recent head-to-head encounters favor Hibernian, who have won three of the last four meetings.
The December 2025 clash at Easter Road finished 3-2 to Hibs, while they also secured a 2-1 victory at Tynecastle in December 2024. Hearts’ sole recent victory came in October 2025 with a 1-0 triumph.
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Tactical Analysis
Hearts build patiently from the back, using Schwolow’s distribution to initiate attacks.
The full-backs push high, creating overloads in wide areas. Baningime drops between center-backs during build-up phases, allowing full-backs to advance.
Without Shankland, Hearts lack a traditional target man, forcing them to rely on combination play and movement.
Hibernian press aggressively in the opposition half, looking to force turnovers in dangerous areas.
Their wing-backs provide width, stretching defenses and creating space for central attackers.
Youan’s pace on the left flank poses constant threats, while Boyle’s experience and positioning make him dangerous in transition.
Key Players to Watch
Claudio Braga (Hearts)
The Portuguese forward carries Hearts’ attacking hopes in Shankland’s absence.
His 10 league goals demonstrate clinical finishing, and his ability to create space through intelligent movement will be crucial. Braga must convert limited chances against a resilient Hibernian defense.
Ante Suto (Hibernian)
The debutant’s winning goal against Dundee United announced his arrival.
His movement between defensive lines creates problems for organized defenses, and Hearts’ reshuffled backline may struggle to track his runs. Suto’s confidence will be high after his dream start.
Current Standings
- Hearts – 54 points (16W-6D-3L)
- Rangers – 51 points (14W-9D-2L)
- Celtic – 48 points (15W-3D-6L)
- Motherwell – 43 points (11W-10D-3L)
- Hibernian – 39 points (10W-9D-6L)
Hearts vs Hibernian Prediction
Hearts’ home fortress meets Hibernian’s recent derby dominance in a fascinating tactical battle.
The hosts must overcome significant absences while protecting their league lead. Hibernian’s momentum and confidence from recent victories make them dangerous opponents.
Hearts’ unbeaten home record provides strong foundations, but Halkett’s suspension and Shankland’s absence create vulnerabilities.
Hibernian have demonstrated their ability to win at Tynecastle and will approach this match with belief. The visitors’ counter-attacking threat could exploit spaces left by Hearts’ attacking full-backs.
Final Score Prediction: Hearts 2-1 Hibernian
Hearts should edge this encounter through home advantage and superior league position, but Hibernian will make them work for every moment.
The match will likely be decided by fine margins, with both teams creating opportunities. McInnes’ side will ultimately prevail, maintaining their championship challenge despite personnel challenges.
FAQs
Where To Watch Hearts vs Hibernian Live?
Fans can watch Hearts vs Hibernian live on Premier Sports 1 and Premier Sports Player in the UK, while Indian viewers access the match through Hearts TV, Hibs TV, and Onefootball with paid subscriptions, and international audiences stream via beIN Sports in Australia and Paramount+ in the USA.
Who Will Win Hearts vs Hibernian Match?
Hearts will likely win the Edinburgh derby based on their unbeaten Tynecastle Park record of 8 wins and 4 draws this season, though Hibernian’s three victories in the last four meetings and recent 3-2 comeback win over Dundee United make them dangerous opponents capable of causing an upset.
What is Hearts vs Hibernian Match Kick-Off Time?
Hearts vs Hibernian kicks off at 1:30 AM IST on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh for the Scottish Premiership matchweek 26 fixture between the league leaders and fifth-placed Hibs.
Are There Any Injuries in Hearts vs Hibernian Match?
Hearts miss captain Lawrence Shankland, suspended Craig Halkett, and injured players Cameron Devlin, Calem Nieuwenhof, Finlay Pollock, and Stephen Kingsley, while Hibernian cannot field Warren O’Hora, Chris Cadden, Grant Hanley, and Josh Mulligan due to various injury concerns affecting both squads’ tactical options.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Hearts vs Hibernian Match?
The predicted scoreline is Hearts 2-1 Hibernian as the league leaders’ home dominance and 54-point tally overcome their injury crisis, though Hibs’ counter-attacking threat through Martin Boyle and Ante Suto will produce at least one goal against Hearts’ reshuffled defense.
Hibernian Standing with Points?
Hibernian currently sit fifth in the Scottish Premiership with 39 points from 25 matches, recording 10 wins, 9 draws, and 6 losses with a goal difference of +11, positioning them three points ahead of sixth-placed Falkirk and four points behind fourth-placed Motherwell.
Hearts Standing With Points?
Hearts lead the Scottish Premiership with 54 points from 25 matches, achieving 16 wins, 6 draws, and only 3 defeats with an impressive +27 goal difference, holding a three-point advantage over second-placed Rangers in the title race under manager Derek McInnes.
Why is the Hearts vs Hibs game not on Sky Sports tonight?
The Hearts vs Hibernian match is not on Sky Sports because Premier Sports holds the exclusive UK broadcasting rights for this Scottish Premiership fixture, requiring fans to subscribe to Premier Sports 1 or Premier Sports Player instead of Sky Sports to watch the Edinburgh derby live.
