Edinburgh Derby Day

The Big(gish) Preview: Hibs v Hearts

A dull Edinburgh May Day, a dull Edinburgh derby?

The law of averages comes into play here. And these games are often tetchy, grindy affairs devoid of much entertainment.

True Hearts impressed at Tynecastle with their 2-1 going on 6-0 win in the last meeting but the two draws earlier in the season might be more of a clue to the outcome.

Although the law of averages suggest that Hibs are surely going to get a win sometime. Can John Hughes outwit his old mentor Jim Jefferies?

The pain of being taught a derby day lesson at Tynecastle will still rankle with Hughes but he, like his team, has looked devoid of ideas lately.

My money - which is worth about as much Greece's money - would be on a draw.

Elsewhere in the top six

Celtic v Motherwell: Everything points to a home win. I didn't get where I am today by following pointers. Draw

Dundee United v Rangers: With league positions now sorted for these two, Rangers can enjoy their austerity celebrations while United look forward to a cup final. Away win.

The Bottom Six

Aberdeen v Hamilton: Both are now playing for position. Hamilton will look back on this season with rather more fondness than Aberdeen but I think Aberdeen might have a bit more desire to finish strongly. Home win.

Falkirk v St Mirren: The post-split fixtures threw Falkirk a juicy bone with this one. Can they take advantage? They remain very much in the hole, as St Mirren claw their way to safety. Falkirk need to haul them back. I can see another twist here. Home win.

Kilmarnock v St Johnstone: Like Cristiano Ronaldo the Kilmarnock fans will make sure they keep a tranny close at hand for this one. (Note to lawyers: allegedly.) Jimmy Calderwood actually came to mind yesterday when I noted with interest that he has inspired Tony Blair's new skin tone. Jimmy will certainly be hoping he's not left red faced this evening! (Boom, boom.)

I fear he might be though. I can't see Kilmarnock getting more than a draw but suspect this is an away win.

The relegation battle will go on.

Tale of the tape: A morale dwindling one out of six last week suggests you can take my talk of the law of averages with a tablespoon of salt. 65 from 159 and when the rubber duck is this season going to end.