SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) takes a look at Sunday's Edinburgh derby, highlighting his best bets.
Hearts vs Hibs | Sunday 12th September 2021, 12:00 | Sky Sports
This Sunday lunchtime kick-off in Gorgie promises to be a cracker, especially with both sides having started the season particularly well.
The winner of this Edinburgh derby are guaranteed to be top of the Premiership when the final whistle sounds. With this huge incentive, as well as the usual bragging rights, both outfits will be fired up for this one, with the stakes having doubled.
Jambos gaffer Robbie Neilson has just received the Manager of the Month award, and he will be encouraging his side to get stuck in, as per usual from the sidelines. Likewise, Jack Ross, although more laid back than his managerial rival, will have stressed to his Hibees players the huge importance of this fixture.
With the full house at Tynecastle, the atmosphere will be electric. With fans being back, and there not having been a derby for a little while now it’s difficult to envisage anything other than a frenzied atmosphere.
Nick Walsh is the arbiter for this top of the table clash. Red cards have been brandished in 3 of his last 6 matches. Last season, the whistler took charge of 21 Premiership games, and produced 7 dismissals. Several of these in live TV clashes.
With guys like Ryan Porteous, Paul McGinn, Alex Gogic, Joe Newall and Jake Doyle-Hayes in the Leith outfits squad, and with back up available in veterans like Darren McGregor and Lewis Stevenson, it’s easy to see the Easter Road side pick up their share of the cards.
Similarly the Jam Tarts, have Andy Halliday, Peter Haring, Craig Halkett, and Beni Baningime who are all more than capable of falling foul of the referee in this feisty encounter.
With Halliday being booked 3 times already this season, and escaping with punishment with arguably a red card challenge in another big game against Celtic, the midfielder is a nice price with Skybet at 14/5 to pick up a card in his debut East Coast derby.
The last five Edinburgh derbies have produced 6-5-5-2-9 yellow card totals, but I’m going to speculate that Mr Walsh can produce a red card, or who knows, maybe two, in a game that could turn into a war of attrition. A single red card is 7/2 with Paddy Power, a red card apiece is 55/1. Let battle commence.
Best Bets
Hearts vs Hibs – Andy Halliday to be carded (14/5 SkyBet)
Hearts vs Hibs – A red card in the match (7/2 Paddy Power)
Hearts vs Hibs – Both sides to receive a red card (55/1 Paddy Power)
