Scottish Premiership: Edinburgh derby, Motherwell’s Elliot Watt & Russell Martin in focus

When Edinburgh’s big two meet on Saturday, Hearts will be hoping to extend their lead at the top to five points. Even if just for a night.

Hibs will make the cross-capital trip with the hope of returning down Leith Walk with a third successive derby win for the first time in over 100 years.

Former Jambos manager Robbie Neilson is well within his rights to predict “a real barnstormer” between two unbeaten league rivals.

The maroon side’s record this term reads much better, with five wins and one draw, to Hibs’ one win and five draws – but recent form in this fixture favours the green and white.

Last season, Hibs had the upper hand, winning twice – including the Boxing Day meeting in Gorgie – and drawing the other derby.

There is a notable difference this term, though. Derek McInnes in the home dugout.

The Hearts head coach is yet to lose inside 90 minutes since taking over in the summer, which has resulted in a two-point lead over reigning champions Celtic, who don’t play until Sunday.

This will be his first taste of the derby but he does have a positive record against Hibs from his time at St Johnstone, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.

Unbeaten in the derby in his debut campaign, Gray recovered from a inauspicious start to clinch third spot.

This time, league form has been patchy. Conceding untimely goals has been the glaring concern but a clean sheet and point at Celtic Park last weekend will have boosted confidence for the jaunt across the city.