“There’s certainly an edge to this one because of what’s at stake for both clubs.”
Hibernian head coach David Gray knows winning Sunday’s Edinburgh derby, live on Sky Sports, could derail Hearts’ title hopes but he insists they are focused on their own targets.
The city rivals face each other at Easter Road in the final clash of an unbelievable season, with the Hibees chasing a second consecutive finish in the top four.
Sunday 26th April 3:30pm
Kick off 4:30pm
“Regardless of league position, what you’re going for, the derbies are always massive,” Gray told Sky Sports News.
“We could be going first game of the season, last game of the season. The games are huge, the bragging rights are so important.
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Andy Murray says, despite being a Hibernian fan, it would be a good thing for Scottish football if Hearts won the Scottish Premiership title
“If we can go and get three points this weekend, you’d add the fact that it damages their chances of winning it. Ultimately, it’s all about us and what we’re trying to do this weekend.”
Hearts are one point clear of Rangers at the top of the table heading into the post-split fixtures, while Hibs are currently fifth.
Asked if stopping the Jambos cliching their first top-flight title since 1960 was an added incentive, Gray said: “I get paid to win games of football. That’s the most important thing.
“If we win this weekend, you get both, so everybody’s happy from a Hibs perspective.”
Hibs won the last derby clash at home 3-2, but have lost twice at Tynecastle Park this season.
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Highlights of Hearts’ derby defeat at Hibs in December
“The two away games especially were very, very tight. Disappointing from our point of view,” Gray added. “But we do take confidence for the home leg.
“I thought the game at home, we really dominated the game, fully deserved to win across the piece.
“I talk about performance levels, it’s all about the result this weekend, we know that.”
Initial post-split games to be shown live on Sky Sports
- April 25: Celtic vs Falkirk, 5.30pm
- April 26: Hibernian vs Hearts, 4.30pm
- May 3: Hibernian vs Celtic, 12pm
- May 4: Hearts vs Rangers, 5.30pm
- May 9: Motherwell vs Hearts, 8pm
- May 10: Celtic vs Rangers, 12pm
