Source: FOOTYMAD
No, You're The Favourites, No, You are
Derby games are tough to call and both Edinburgh managers see the opposition as the likely winners Recent form suggests Hibs could be about to end their six-game winless run in the Edinburgh derby. However, manager Colin Calderwood can only see Hearts as favourites for today's game at Easter Road. Hibs are on a six-game unbeaten run, winning five and drawing one, while Hearts have stuttered a little in their bid to secure third place in the SPL, with just one win in their last four attempts. But derby games are a completely different prospect from normal league games. Hibs' last win in the capital meeting came in May 2009 and since then there have been two draws and four straight Hearts wins. This is why Calderwood is playing down the idea his team are the more fancied side. He said: "I don't know what the odds are, but I'd imagine Hearts remain favourites to win the game. We go into a situation where we haven't won against them for a while. We've got to try and do that. We're ready for a game. We've had a long wait and it was always going to be an appetising game to come back to. The week is building right to a crescendo and the boys are definitely ready.'' Since he took over from John Hughes at Eater Road in October last year, Calderwood has tasted defeat against Hearts twice and he is keen to take three points on Sunday to reward the long-suffering fans. He added: "We've got a debt to the fans for the way they've supported us this season and this is something they would enjoy.'' The game will be Hibs' first since 5 March as their scheduled meeting with Celtic prior to the international break was postponed due to the latter's' involvement in the Scottish Cup. Calderwood hopes his side can pick up where they left off and continue their good run. He went on: "We want a strong start and our intention is that, but we've got to manage the 90 minutes and we've got to improve as the game goes on. We don't want to find ourselves having to chase a situation by being behind. The boys are in a good frame of mind at the minute and ready to get started.'' Calderwood has some injury worries ahead of the game as Danny Galbraith is midway through a month-long absence with an ankle problem, while Graham Stack has a shoulder injury and may not return this season. Steven Thicot is doubtful with an ankle knock, while long-term knee-injury victim Kevin McCann is definitely out. Tynecastle opposite number Jim Jefferies hopes Hearts can continue to keep a tight grip on the local bragging rights. Hearts are seeking to tie up third place in the league but have won only one of their last four games. Jefferies hopes his side can send Hearts fans home fro Easter Road happy. He said: "It would be nice to keep the run going. It's always that little bit sweeter; this is the big one. It's a one off to go in the next day at work and enjoy the victory. The Hearts supporters have had that pleasure in the last few games, but it will only make Hibs more determined. If the roles were reversed we'd be more determined to end it, so we're expecting a tough match.'' Hearts were convincing 2-0 winners over Hibs at Easter Road in November and eked out a 1-0 victory at Tynecastle on New year's Day. Hibs were considered relegation candidates in January, but the close of the transfer window, during which Calderwood recruited six players, coincided with an upturn in fortunes. Jefferies has been impressed with Hibs' progression under Calderwood. he said: "I thought in the last game they competed very well against us. We were the better side on the day and even though the winner was late in coming we deserved to win. They did compete very well that day - that was the biggest difference from the previous game. Colin's brought in some players in the transfer window, they've got a bit more presence about them and we're expecting them to be a lot stronger. Hearts have had the edge in the strength side and in the football side we've played better than them in the last couple of games. But we do know we're facing a different side. Their confidence is a bit better, they've had that wee run and they are at home.'' Hearts will be without Calum Elliot after the striker's knee surgery. Hearts are also without suspended duo Adrian Mrowiec and Eggert Jonsson and striker Kevin Kyle, who is recovering following a double hernia operation. Lee Wallace is a major doubt after recent ankle trouble, while Suso Santana and Rudi Skacel are also doubtful.
