Former Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson is relishing the prospect of a “real barnstormer” Edinburgh derby where the Tynecastle hosts can make “a big statement” about their ability to maintain a challenge at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Derek McInnes’ side host Hibernian with the possibility of moving five points clear of reigning champions Celtic – and 12 ahead of Rangers – before the Glasgow duo play on Sunday.
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Neilson has played for and managed Hearts teams who have made the early running before falling back and says the key is whether they can find the consistency through November to January “where the real title challenge will either come or go”.
“It is a massive game from both clubs’ perspective, but especially from Hearts because they get that opportunity to go five clear of Celtic but also well clear of Rangers,” Neilson told BBC Scotland’s Scottish Football Podcast.
“That would start to put massive pressure on both these clubs – that they have to go into their games on Sunday and have to win.
“If they go to 12 points, it gets to the stage where Rangers are relying on other teams to beat Hearts.
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“They are in a brilliant position and tomorrow could be a big statement.”
Like their city rivals, Hibs are unbeaten in the league, albeit five draws out of six leaves David Gray’s side eight points behind in sixth.
“I think tomorrow will be a real barnstormer and I’m really looking forward to it,” Neilson, currently assistant at Belgian club Lommel said.
“I think it will be top level, because both teams have got goals in them – both got good strikers.
“Obviously Bowie and Shankland are doing well for both teams, but they also have a lot of creative players and they’ve both got a lot of options from the bench.
“I can see the game twisting and turning as they go along. I don’t see anyone really dominating it.”
