Why this derby feels bigger than usual

[BBC]

The Edinburgh derby at Easter Road beckons this weekend and it's one I can't wait for.

They're always big games but the chance to repeat the home win from earlier in the season and hopefully close the gap on Motherwell - as well as denting Hearts' title hopes - makes this one feel bigger than usual.

Home advantage has been crucial in this season's derbies. Hearts won by the only goal of the game in both Tynecastle fixtures while Hibs were three to the good and cruising at Easter Road before a late couple of goals made the scoreline respectable for the visitors.

Hibs have tended to start as we mean to go on in games – when we don't begin well it feels like we struggle for the 90 minutes, whereas when we've been on the front foot we've looked good for most of the match.

This will not be a game for the faint-hearted. Given what's riding on it there's going to be a lot of nervous energy in the crowd, so starting well and getting the Hibs support behind the team is essential.

I'm hoping the forwards find their shooting boots, it'll be Martin Boyle's last Edinburgh derby and I would be tempted to start him with Owen Elding up front. Boyle has caused Hearts plenty of problems over the years and he'll be desperate to sign off with a win.

With Motherwell now in our sights as we go in to the business end of the season, there's little margin for error now for Hibs.

We need European football to consider this anything like a successful season, so getting fourth place keeps that in our own hands.

Another derby victory for David Gray would be huge in winning round the section of the support that have their doubts about him. This game probably more than any other is a must-win for us.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast