Lawrence Shankland has so much space to meet a high, looping cross from Stephen Kingsely but the Hearts skipper powers his diagonal header just wide.

Defender Jack Iredale completely lost Shankland there.

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Hearts win their first corner and Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger is relieved to see an offside flag go up after an awkward attempt at a save.

The home fans are lapping this up as Kieron Bowie steals possession in the middle of the park.

Hibs are much the sharper side.

The ball sits up nicely for Hibs striker Kieron Bowie to have a dip from 20 yards. The shot goes straight at goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow though.

The visitors are definitely rattled as Oisin McEntee lets a simple pass roll under his foot and out of play.

Martin Boyle thinks he's Kenny McLean for a moment as he lets fly from halfway.

The ball trundles out for a throw-in...

Hibernian have now scored 16 first-half goals in 19 games, more than any other team in the Premiership this season.

Ryan Stevenson
Former Hearts forward on BBC Sportsound

I'm a bit shellshocked by that start.

Hibs kept the ball, then won it back and kept it again. It's the first time this season Cammy Devlin has been slack in possession.

For Hearts, if you ever want to concede a goal, it's after only a couple of minutes.

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John Rankin
Former Hibernian midfielder on BBC Sportsound

That's how you start a derby! Against a team top of the league.

O'Hora doesn't waste any time, plays that long diagonal. Devlin has dropped too deep in to try and defend the cross, and it's a lovely finish from McGrath.

He just passes it into the corner.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland at Easter Road

The noise level inside Easter Road is incredible!

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And away we go at Easter Road.

It's loud, with plumes of pyro smoke in the air.

Ryan Stevenson
Former Hearts forward on BBC Sportsound

This is Hearts' biggest challenge. When they've looked at the block of four games - Celtic away, Falkirk away, Rangers at home - this would've been the one.

Nine points out of 12 would have been a great tally from that block, and they've got nine already. Can they go and get the 12 today?

John Rankin
Former Hibernian midfielder on BBC Sportsound

Being solid is key for Hibs. They know they're coming up against the best strikeforce in the division.

They're going to need to work really hard to not give away chances. At the top end, Bowie and Boyle will cause problems.

Derek [McInnes] said you're only as good as your weakest player. Hibs can't have any weak players today, they all need to be at the top of their game.

Former Hibee Ryan Porteous is a guest at Easter Road today. He's the kind of fierce competitor who loved these games.

The Scotland defender is with Los Angeles FC these days, where he has Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris as team-mates.

Venice Beach and Portobello aren't so different really...

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Hearts head coach Derek McInnes tells BBC Scotland: "It's important we try to make the most of the opportunity that's there for us.

"It's a brilliant fixture to be involved in, we want to make sure we're good enough to take three points. I expect a tight game today.

"For the fans, this will be the best of the lot if we win today. We're up against a team who have enough motivation as well. They are a good team with a lot of good players, well managed."

McInnes admits it was difficult to leave out Harry Milne, Beni Baningime and Frankie Kent but has full faith in his XI.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "Warren comes back in. Zach was very good last week, I spoke a lot about him after the game, Kenayo the same, and I had a big decision to make about that right-hand side of defence.

"I've just leaned towards a bit more experience in this game, but it's a good headache to have. [Chris] Cadden has played a lot in these games and trained this week, but I thought Kenayo has done really well.

"Today is the one everyone looks forward to, no one more so than me. The players are aware of it, the fans are here early, there's the holiday feeling. I don't need to remind the players of it, but you can't over-egg it.

"You need to be ready to win a fight, because that is what's coming."

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Hearts lost the Boxing Day derby at Tynecastle last year, which left them second bottom of the table on 16 points after 19 games.

This time round, the Jambos are the first non-Old Firm team at the top flight summit at Christmas since Aberdeen in 1993, with 41 points from 18 games.

One switch for leaders Hearts too after their statement win over Rangers last weekend.

Derek McInnes is boosted by the return of key defender Craig Halkett, who replaces Frankie Kent at centre-back.

Midfielder Beni Baningime keeps his place on a strong bench, which also includes Harry Milne, who was suspended last time out.

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Just one change for Hibs, who welcome back Warren O'Hora.

The centre-back was ill for the draw at Dundee United but returns to take the place of Zach Mitchell, who drops to the bench.

New dad Chris Cadden is back and takes a place among the substitutes as Kanayo Megwa continues at right-wing back.

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