Big Edinburgh clash at Easter Road — form, facts and feel
The late-December Premiership fixture between Hibernian and Hearts arrives with all the raw emotion of an Edinburgh derby and the clear league implications that come with two clubs separated by just a handful of results. Hibernian host this encounter at Easter Road Stadium on 27/12/2025, a ground with capacity for over 20,000 that will be buzzing for a Round 19 clash between a side chasing consistency and a leader intent on staying top. The referee for the day is John Beaton, a familiar name who will oversee what promises to be a physically charged contest.
Hibernian sit fifth with 25 points from 18 games — a record that reads six wins, seven draws and five defeats, and a goals tally of 28 scored and 20 conceded. Their recent run has produced mixed signals: a 1-1 draw at Dundee United and setbacks against Rangers and Celtic have tempered expectations, but home form shows Hibs can be dangerous, having scored 16 at Easter Road while shipping nine. Last time out Grant Hanley earned plaudits as Hibs ground out a draw, and the home side’s tendency to produce tight affairs — five clean sheets at home — means they cannot be dismissed.
Hearts arrive with momentum and a clinical edge
Hearts arrive from the top of the table, clear favourites in terms of standings: first place with 41 points from 18 matches, boasting 12 wins, five draws and just a single loss. Their attack has been efficient, 36 goals in total and healthy away numbers (16 goals scored and only seven conceded on the road), while their recent form shows a steady run of victories, including a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Rangers where Stuart Findlay topped the player ratings. Hearts’ defensive record is eye-catching — eight clean sheets so far — and their attacking metrics (higher total shots and dangerous attacks on average) suggest they will press Hibernian throughout.
Both teams have matches with goals — over 2.5 has featured frequently in their calendars — but the balance between Hibernian’s stubborn home defensive displays and Hearts’ more clinical, higher-volume approach paints a picture of a tight game that could tilt in favour of the visitors.
Prediction and how to play the market
Given the form lines, standings and recent meetings — including a 1-0 Hibs reverse earlier this season — the sensible tilt is toward Hearts to edge this derby. The odds put Hearts as marginal favourites in the book but not overwhelming, so the value sits with backing the away win in the 1X2 market. If you prefer goal markets, both sides have shown propensity for matches over 2.5 goals, but the safer, data-backed play here is a single selection on the visitors.
For further reading on market selection and approach, see our guide on Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets and to time your play better consult The right time to place bets on goal markets.
Betting suggestion: 1X2 — Hearts (Away) to win. Rationale: stronger season form, superior away defensive numbers, recent key victory over Rangers and historical edge in the head-to-head. Consider a cautious stake given close odds and derby volatility.
