Why Edinburgh derby is massive for both managers

Heart of Midlothian experienced a setback in their recent match against Rangers after a strong run of form. While the defeat shouldn’t be overly criticized given Rangers’ dominance, there’s a concern of a potential hangover effect. It will be intriguing to see how Hearts react to their defeat and whether they can bounce back.

On the other hand, Hibernian ended their poor run of form with a win in their last Scottish Premiership match. They have added some talented players during the winter transfer window, such as Myziane Maolida, who has made an impact with his goal-scoring abilities. However, there are still concerns about the team’s defensive stability, which remains an area of weakness.

Derby matches always bring a level of trepidation, especially for Hibernian, who often face an uphill battle against Hearts’ confidence, especially when playing at Tynecastle. However, recent results for both teams have added uncertainty to the usual predictions.

For Hearts, the recent defeat to Rangers could stall the positive momentum they had built under Steven Naismith’s leadership. Public perception in football can change rapidly, and a derby defeat following the weekend thrashing could undermine the progress made over the past few months.

For Hibernian and manager Nick Montgomery, the focus is on maintaining positivity and securing results to secure a place in the top six before the league split. Success in the derby could boost morale and confidence, crucial for approaching the transfer window with support from the fans.

Ultimately, for both managers, there’s a recognition of the significance of the Edinburgh derby in shaping public perception and securing important results.