A tactical look at cup finalists Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian

Here we take a look at the probable line-ups for Hibernian and Heart and Midlothian in the biggest Edinburgh derby of all time.

Hibs have a fully fit squad to choose from, aside from long-term absentees Graeme Stack and Danny Galbraith.

Hearts are still sweating on the fitness of Craig Beattie, while Jamie Hamill will miss months with cruciate ligament damage. Hernia-afflicted Ian Black will start the match.

Between the sticks

Mark Brown has spent the season as back-up to Graeme Stack, but the ex-Arsenal keeper’s injury has thrust Brown into the limelight. He has a lot of experience with Celtic and Inverness and is unlikely to be fazed by the Hampden atmosphere.

Jamie Macdonald has excelled in the big games for Hearts since taking over from Marian Kello. While still suspect from low hit shots, Macdonald is the only visiting goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at White Hart Lane this season, and was instrumental in Hearts’ semi final victory over Celtic, making several stunning saves.

Hibees take the front foot

The pairing of Garry O’Connor and Leigh Griffiths carry the weight of expectation from the Hibs fans. As dangerous a partnership as you will find in the SPL, O’Connor has hit the net 16 times this term, while Griffiths’ 11 goals include the winner in the semi final against Aberdeen.

However neither of them has netted against Hearts this year. Captain Marius Zaliukas’ own goal is Hibs’ only strike in derby matches in 2011/12. He and Andy Webster, who has just earned a re-call to the Scotland set-up, are absolutely pivotal to the hopes of the Gorgie men.

Getting it wide

Hibs’ narrow midfield encourages the full backs to get involved. Pa Kujabi from the left and Matt Doherty on the right will be given licence to bomb up the flanks and provide support to Lewis Stevenson and Isaiah Osbourne.

Paulo Sergio will look to nullify Doherty’s wanderings by utilising Andy Driver in an advanced left wing position. Driver is the best fit for his direct style, pace and work rate, which just gives him the edge over a rusty David Templeton. On the Hearts’ right, expect Stephen Elliott to patrol the channel, making Kujabi think twice before embarking on a trademark overlapping run.

The midfield battle for supremacy

Pat Fenlon has found a perfect role for Tom Soares in the thick of the action, winning headers and looking to play in his front two. Jorge Claros sits deeper but his positional awareness will have to be perfect to prevent the fluid attack of Hearts finding space. He has useful reinforcements in Osbourne and Stevenson though, who are both comfortable tucking inside.

Ian Black has dominated derby contests in the current season, and his influence will be Fenlon’s biggest worry. Expect close attention to be paid to the out-of-contract play-maker, while Darren Barr lies deep and provide extra protection.

Getting it to Skacel

James McPake and Paul Hanlon have one of Scottish football’s most arduous tasks on their hands – preventing Rudi Skacel from getting time on his left foot. The Czech is liable to beat goalkeepers from any range if given enough time, and has netted 16 times so far this season. If Claros cannot shepherd Skacel away from shooting range in time, McPake and Hanlon will have to throw their bodies on the line to block his efforts.

If Craig Beattie does beat his hamstring injury to line up at Hampden his all-round play can keep defences on their toes. McPake is well equipped to handle his aerial threat but he will have to concentrate for 90 minutes to ensure the former Swansea attacker does not wander into space unattended.

STV predicted line-ups:

Hibernian (4-4-2): Brown; Doherty, McPake, Hanlon, Kujabi; Osbourne, Claros, Soares, Stevenson; O’Connor, Griffiths.

Heart of Midlothian (4-2-3-1): Macdonald; McGowan, Webster, Zaliukas, Grainger; Barr, Black; Elliott, Skacel, Driver; Beattie.