Hibs vs Hearts is biggest game in BRITAIN this weekend and new boys will be blown away – Ryan Stevenson
It’s the biggest of big ones in Edinburgh on Sunday and former Hearts man Stevo admits he can barely remember a derby where both sides are in such good form.
All I needed to understand what an Edinburgh derby in enemy territory meant to Hearts was the bus ride from Tynecastle to Easter Road, which took less than an hour.
The blood was already rushing through my veins on the coach, ready to jump off and strike Hibs like an LRT double decker, before I had even arrived in Leith. Fortunately, the first time I experienced a capital collision in the city’s north side, it ended in a 2-1 triumph, and nothing in my career has ever matched those moments.
As Sander Kartum, Jamie McCart, Michael Steinwender, and Elton Kabangu get ready to be pushed into the unknown on Sunday, I’m jealous of them. For years, this has been the largest Derby in Edinburgh. Without a doubt, this weekend’s game is the biggest in Britain. And they had best be prepared to be astounded. The best thing ever is this. It begins on the morning of the match, either at the training ground or when you arrive at Tynecastle. However, the adrenaline goes from zero to sixty when you board the bus and drive through the heart of Edinburgh.
Ryan Stevenson’s first goal against Hibs in the quarterfinal is celebrated by the Hearts.
To be honest, you would be quite wealthy if you could bottle and market that feeling. I saw it as Billy Brown and Gary Locke playing a looping video of all the major goals from past Edinburgh derbies while Hearts music played over it. If I die tomorrow, I’ve lived my dream, I thought as I sat at the rear.
Philippe Clement on Hearts’ victory, form, and future
This match is everything that football fans aspire to be a part of. It’s huge since both are playing so well and are vying for third place.
Everyone will agree that this is how things ought to be. The teams that win the most weeks are Hibs and Hearts, and they will face off against each other.
With Sunday being so important to Hearts, they should approach the game with the mindset that they must win in Leith. Not a word. In a derby, it is always the case, but it is particularly true when there is a chance to pull back to within a point of Hibs.
Especially considering how the previous game ended. When they faced Tynecastle on Boxing Day, they were incredibly unimpressive. It was far from adequate. After that day, they were still in second place with only 16 points, which is incredible.
With just one loss in 11 games, Neil Critchley’s team has responded admirably. If I were to choose one player who most embodies the comeback, it would be McCart, who I saw during Wednesday’s victory over St Mirren. He was amazing.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 26: On February 26, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Heart of Midlothian and St Mirren played in the William Hill Premiership at Tynecastle Park. Toyosi Olusanya (R) and Jamie McCart (L) were seen in action.
He’s a former school center half who handles everything that comes his way. Against Hibs, it is precisely what will be required. Knowing that there is a guy on the squad who is willing to take on his grandmother inspires confidence in everyone. He is also a skilled player, but his primary goal is defense. Andy and Marius Zaliukas are two large center halves I’ve played with behind me.
You knew when the chips were down, Webster, and those two were blasting through it if there was a ball to the head.
It was also possible for Calem Nieuwenhof to make the starting lineup. After spending ten months in treatment, he has returned like a new signing. He had a spectacular goal the other night, but I also thought he was neat with the ball, moving a little slowly at times, but that’s part of the game.
