Hibernian vs Hearts prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups September 3, 2026
Scottish League Cup
In the 5th round of the Scottish Premiership on September 3, 2026, Hibernian will face Hearts. Both sides will be hoping to come out on top in this derby.
Hibernian vs Hearts team news and expert analysis
The club from Easter Road confirmed their status as one of the leading sides in the second tier of Scottish football last season, finishing fifth. This earned the Scots a place in the Conference League, where they overcame Malisheva and Shkëndija 79. After a goalless away draw with Gent, they lost at home and were eliminated from European competition. Meanwhile, on the domestic front, following a 1-2 defeat to Motherwell, they beat Rangers in the Premiership and Partick in the League Cup. They also secured a 2-1 victory over Dundee in the previous round.
Their neighbours came remarkably close to a major surprise, only surrendering the title in the final round after losing to their direct rivals, Celtic. Nevertheless, the club qualified for the Champions League, although they immediately suffered two defeats to Sturm, 0-4 and 0-2. They did not last long in the Europa League either, losing 1-6 to Benfica before settling for a home draw in the return match. In the Conference League, by contrast, they opened with a 2-2 draw against Rapid. The same scoreline was repeated in Vienna before Hearts advanced on penalties. On the domestic front, they began with a defeat to Aberdeen but then comfortably beat Dundee United in the Premiership and Inverness in the League Cup. In their latest match, they defeated St. Johnstone 2-1.
Hibernian have averaged 1.67 goals scored per game at the start of the season while conceding 1.33. The runners-up have scored 2.33 goals per match and conceded one per game on average.
Head to Head matches: Hibernian vs Hearts
Hearts have won three of their last four meetings, with Hibernian winning the other one.
This fixture is rightly regarded as an evenly matched one, with both sides in good form. We are backing over 2.5 goals (odds – 1.86).
Hibernian vs Hearts: key statistics and trends
- Hibernian have won two of their last four matches
- 100% of Hibernian's matches have ended with both teams scoring, with an average total of 3.0 goals per game
- Hearts are unbeaten in six consecutive matches
- 67% of Hearts' matches have ended with both teams scoring, with an average total of 3.33 goals per game
Hibernian vs Hearts: Possible starting lineups
Hibernian are expected to play in a 1-3-4-1-2 formation (possible lineup): Zallingер - Iredale, Kerr, O'Hora - Megwa, Newell, Mulligan, Mayior - McGrath - Edding, Lowe
Hearts are expected to play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Royce - McCart, Findlay, McEntee, Altana - Spittal, Reno - McPake, Claudio Braga, Miller - Kabore
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the Scottish Premiership table.
