Hibernian 3 Hearts 0.
Goals from O'Neil, Brewster and O'Connor gave Hibs an easy win in the third derby of the season, and there could have been at least four more!
All right, I know it's probably not gonna happen like that, but I can dream, can't I? Bobby ‘Shrek(!)' Williamson has quickly instilled a confidence in our team not experienced for quite a while now, and it's a feeling I never thought I'd have again this season.
Let's say we do win 3-0 again. Three games, three wins, nine goals. Will people then admit that the much criticised board were right in sacking Franck Sauzee? I'd like to think that they would then have the support of everyone but, no, I can't see it. The truth of the matter is that they shouldn't have appointed Franck manager in the first place, but they bowed to supporter pressure.
And that in itself was a surprising thing. Supporters want lots of things but don't get ‘em. You can always hear fans in the stands saying ‘We should sign such and such' or ‘He would be a good addition for us' but the board don't go out and get these players, do they? Ultimately the board do what they think is right for the club, weather these decisions be popular or unpopular, that's their job and the fact that all their choices will be closely scrutinised makes it all that much tougher.
After Franck was sacked, some media ‘experts' said that the board had done the cowardly thing in sacking him, well I don't see it like that. I think it was the bravest decision they could have made. Sacking arguably the greatest Hibernian player of the past 20 years takes some balls, and they still done it. Again, hopefully, for the good of the club
But let's not get away from the fact that derby day is imminent! The JTs are coming to the hallowed ground and we're looking to keep our impressive run going against them. And why not? They're a Jekyll & Hyde team who you never know what's coming from them, so there's nothing to be worried about. A one trick pony that side, and the sooner Antti Niemi goes the better!
There's a good chance that there won't be that many Hearts fans going to the game, them being disgusted with the prices and the game being on telly and all that, but is that really it? The last final Hearts were in, they took THOUSANDS to the game, that game was live on the telly – hell, it was even in a different city!? I reckon they just know they're in for another doing! Big feardies! Ach well, that's what they get for slagging us for the past few months.
It's the same players that we've had for a while now, but Bobby and his backroom team have got them working so much harder, they don't give anyone any real time on the ball. The game will pretty much be won in midfield for me, with captain John O'Neil playing a major part with his all action style.
I still think that man for man; we have a better team than them, and should make it count come Saturday night. Arpinon has come onto a game recently, and de la Cruz has looked better as well. Hearts still hold a trump card in Niemi, however, and even Hearts fans will tell you he saves them on regular occasions. Players like Fulton can still turn a game when he's in the mood, but our industrious midfield could and should thwart any threat he and his team mates pose, and from there we should take the game to them, where I hope this will mean Steven Pressley has a busy evening. A strong forward line like Brewster and O'Connor will ensure ‘Elvis' doesn't get a minutes peace.
Overall, we should be too good for our rivals, but how many times have I heard that before?!
If I had to give a prediction though? To hell with it – Hibs 3 Hearts 0!
