All out in round one!
Robert Bald looks ahead to the first of two derbies in the space of 30 hours!....

TOMORROW IS ONCE AGAIN DERBY DAY AND DESPITE THE GAME being shown live on BBC1 it looks like Tynecastle is heading for a sell out, the Hibs end is definitely sold out and with Hearts reporting that they only have a few briefs left, it looks like it will be a great atmosphere.  However, Hibs fans looking to watch the game in the company of others can still head to Easter Road where cheaper beer and food will be served at Behind The Goals in the Famous Five Stand (details at the foot of this article!).

Hibs look set to field the same eleven who played in the last match against Dundee United, With Roland Edge and Yannick Zambernardi definitely still out, and with Stephen Glass only returning to training yesterday, the best he can hope for would be a place on the bench. This means that Gary Smith looks likely to hold onto the left back role and youngster Kevin Thomson continuing to play in the centre of the park along with the in-form Grant Brebner while upfront it looks likely that Derek Riordan will continue to partner Garry O’Connor, who will be brimming with confidence after scoring the only goal in midweek for the Scotland U/21’s in their 1-0 win over Croatia. O’Connor of course is the player who scored the only goal in the first league derby of the season. I for one would settle for the same out come today.

Brebner - hoping to last the full game this time!  (sns)

Meanwhile Hearts also have their injury worries ahead of tomorrow’s game with doubts over Steven Pressley and Scott Severin. Scotland Defender Pressley had to have emergency dental surgery on Thursday morning after loosing two front teeth in a collision with Dutch star Patrick Kluivert late on during Scotland humiliating 6-0 drubbing by Holland on Wednesday night, Pressley though still hope’s to make tomorrows match but Severin has no chance after re-injuring his groin in training earlier in the week, one piece of good news regarding injuries is the return of Australian full back Patrick Kisnorbo.

Whatever the form of both teams in the run up to this match can be thrown out the window, as derbies are unique in terms of atmosphere and passion. Whoever Craig Levein and Bobby Williamson choose to represent the respective teams I’m sure they will be going all out to get all three points over the closest rivals.  My prediction’s for tomorrows match are my head says 1-1, but my heart says HIBS will win 2-1.  Lets hope my heart is right and us Hibbies can leave Tynecastle happy.

Remember also after the first teams have finished there is still another Derby to go, that derby being the Under 21’s turn on Monday night at Easter Road with a 7pm kick off.  Prices are £3 for adults £1 for Kids while season ticket holders as always will get in for free. So get along and support the youngsters in what is sure to be as good a match as the full version.  And remember the Under 21’s are the future first teamers.

The Behind the Goals bar will be open from 12.30 on Sunday, allowing fans heading to Tynecastle to enjoy the facilities beforehand while those not heading for Gorgie can remain in the bar and watch the game in the company of other Hibees.  Ahead of the main event, the famous 6-2 win over Hearts will also be shown on the big screen.

Entry is Free, and offers available include 4 pint pitchers from £6.00, 3 bottles of Carlsberg for the price of 2, Carlsberg Lager for only £1.50 a pint and "a whiskey nip and a half" only £1.50. Food is also available for purchase both before during and after the game.