Preview: Hibernian vs. Hearts - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the home side sit in sixth position, the visitors to Easter Road occupy third as they bid to finish best of the rest.

Match preview

While Nick Montgomery cannot claim to have the greatest record since his arrival at Hibs, he has still managed to instigate a turnaround in fortunes.

Suffering just four defeats in 16 matches is a far cry from the inconsistency under his predecessor, while six wins and six draws in all competitions have kept things ticking over.

The 1-0 reverse at ninth-placed St Johnstone was a disappointment, Hibs having not lost to anyone other than Celtic and Rangers in the league since Montgomery's appointment.

Nevertheless, the four wins from five fixtures before that defeat remains fresh in the memory bank, catapulting Hibs into contention for the European spots.

Although Hibs begin this contest trailing their rivals, they are currently on a three-game undefeated run, the last two contests ending in draws.

From Hearts' perspective, Steven Naismith can only be delighted with his side's form since the beginning of November, a total of 18 points coming from eight games.

Prevailing from their recent trip to Celtic is the obvious standout, Hearts ending the champions' prolonged unbeaten run at home and keeping a clean sheet in the process.

However, the Jam Tarts were able to back that up with a 2-0 win over St Mirren in the game that followed, moving three points clear of the fifth-placed outfit.

Naismith's team now have a real opportunity to create some breathing space between themselves and sixth and add to an away record that has seen them already record five wins from nine encounters on their travels.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

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Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

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Team News

Montgomery has made a point of saying in the build-up to this game that he will not over-react to losing at St Johnstone, the decisive goal coming from a mistake.

Josh Campbell is an option to come into the side, while Montgomery must choose out of Paul Hanlon or Rocky Bushiri for a place in the middle of the backline.

Having spent much of the past two months on the substitutes' bench, it would come as a surprise if Christian Doidge started in attack.

Barring any fitness issues, Naismith may be prepared to select the same Hearts XI from the win over St Mirren at the weekend.

Kye Rowles and Nathaniel Atkinson have recently been called up to represent Australia in the Asia Cup, but they will not depart on international duty until in the new year.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Miller, Fish, Hanlon, Obita; Youan, Levitt, Jeggo, Tavares; Vente, Boyle

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Clark; Kent, Halkett, Rowles; Atkinson, Denholm, Baningime, Cochrane; Oda, Shankland, McKay

We say: Hibernian 1-2 Hearts

With home advantage in their favour, Hibs will be confident about continuing their resurgence up the table. However, we are backing Hearts to edge a nervy contest, one which may end with the visitors throwing more caution to the wind in the closing stages.

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