Hello 2009 - and it's Derby Day

Derby Day - and the first of two games that will go a long way to determining the course of Hibs' season. I was at last week's game with Kilmarnock, and Hibs were truly awful - if they prove to be so totally inept today I predict a serious 'doing' at Tynecastle. The loss of Rob Jones is also a worry - there is no natural cover at centre half and it's a weakness that Hearts are more than capable of exploiting. There are few glimmers of light, though.
One - Hibs' inconsistency has been their one constant theme this season, with no consecutive performances the same, so they are unlikely to play quite as badly again today.
Two - on occasion, our 'big game' players turn it on in these encounters and raise their game. For Shiels, Riordan and Fletcher - they'll have to.
And three - Hearts are missing some key players, Aguiar in particular, so are not at full strength.
Only a fool predicts the outcome of these Derby games - so here goes! I've jut seen the respective line-ups and Hibs look desperately weak in midfield. Hope I'm wrong, but Hearts to win by two clear goals with at least one sending off (Bamba is a confident choice here). We'll know the outcome soon enough, with a crazy lunchtime kick off to suit TV.