Hearts Boss McInnes Warns of 'Hardest Game' as Edinburgh Derby Looms Against Hibs

Hearts manager Derek McInnes has labelled the upcoming Edinburgh derby as 'arguably our hardest game' as the Jambos prepare for a crucial encounter with city rivals Hibs at Tynecastle on Wednesday evening.

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McInnes, whose side currently sits second in the Scottish Championship, understands the magnitude of the fixture for both sets of supporters. 'These games are always intense,' McInnes told reporters at his pre-match press conference. 'When you look at the form books and everything else, this could arguably be our hardest game of the season. Hibs will come with real intent and we need to be ready for that.'

The Easter Road outfit have shown improved form in recent weeks under their new management team, making this fixture particularly challenging. Hearts, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their push for automatic promotion back to the Premiership at the first time of asking following their relegation last season.

Captain Craig Halkett is expected to return from injury, which will boost the defensive options available to McInnes. The manager has been rotation careful in recent weeks to keep key players fresh for the crucial run-in.

'The derby aspect adds its own pressure,' McInnes added. 'But we've been building well as a squad. The players understand what's required and they know what this fixture means to our fans. We're focused on three points and nothing less will suffice.'

Hearts currently hold a five-point advantage over third-placed Dundee United but have played two games more. A victory on Wednesday would go a long way toward securing that coveted automatic promotion spot with just six games remaining.