Hearts vs Hibs preview: Boyle returns as Mato faces fitness check for Hampden semi-final

Martin Boyle is available for Hibernian’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Hearts on Sunday, while their Edinburgh rivals face a fitness decision over Rogers Mato.

The clubs meet at Hampden Park with a place in December’s final at stake. Hearts won the first derby of the season 3-1 at Easter Road, but Hibs now have Marink Reedijk in charge and head into the tie with Boyle back after illness.

Wouter Vrancken has received encouragement from Stuart Findlay’s return to training, although Mato remains a doubt after coming off against Rangers.

Hearts vs Hibs team news checked on Friday 30 October 2026.

Hearts vs Hibs TV channel, kick-off time and how to watch

Detail	Information
Competition	Premier Sports Cup semi-final
Date	Sunday 1 November 2026
Venue	Hampden Park, Glasgow
Kick-off	3pm GMT
UK television	Premier Sports 1
Coverage starts	2pm GMT
Live stream	Premier Sports with an appropriate subscription

The SPFL’s semi-final announcement confirms the date, venue and 3pm GMT kick-off. Coverage begins at 2pm on Premier Sports 1, according to STV Player’s Premier Sports listing. Its streaming service offers access on supported devices.

The winners will face Rangers or Aberdeen in the final on Sunday 13 December. Those teams play on Saturday evening, with their preparations covered in our Rangers vs Aberdeen preview.

Hearts vs Hibs team news: Mato doubtful, Findlay back in training

Mato is a doubt after suffering a muscle problem during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Rangers. Vrancken said on Friday that the injury did not look too bad, but stopped short of confirming his availability.

Findlay has returned to training following his groin injury. That is a positive development for a depleted defence, although a return to training does not confirm his inclusion in Sunday’s squad.

Both updates were included in Vrancken’s Friday press-conference report.

Hearts went into the Rangers game without Harry Milne, Christian Borchgrevink, Oisin McEntee, Ageu, Craig Halkett, Blair Spittal and Tom Renaud, as well as Findlay.

The midweek team-news report listed knee, hamstring, muscle, Achilles, shin and ankle problems across that group. Findlay’s return to training is the change confirmed in Friday’s update. No further returns have been announced.

Martin Boyle illness update: Hibs forward and Chaiwa available

Boyle has recovered from the illness that kept him out against Celtic and St Mirren, as Tuesday’s press-conference report connected both absences to the illness.

Reedijk confirmed on Friday that the attacker is available for selection. Miguel Chaiwa is also fit to play despite hobbling off during Wednesday’s draw in Paisley, according to the Hibs manager’s press-conference update.

Boyle’s return changes the position outlined in our earlier Martin Boyle illness report, when Hibs were still hoping he would recover in time.

Hibs were also without Callum Wright, Nathan Lowe, Jacob Devaney, Kanayo Megwa, Rocky Bushiri and Jordan Obita for the St Mirren match. Wednesday’s team news identified Megwa’s thigh problem, Bushiri’s Achilles injury and Obita’s calf issue. No further returns have been announced.

Hearts seek another derby win

Hearts arrive after conceding a late equaliser against Rangers. Cláudio Braga and Calvin Miller had overturned Kevin Kelsy’s opener before Olwethu Makhanya rescued a point for the visitors.

Our Hearts 2-2 Rangers report covers a match in which Vrancken’s side came close to following their 2-0 win at Motherwell on 25 October with another league win.

The 3-1 win at Easter Road on 3 September offers encouragement, but Vrancken has stressed that Sunday presents different circumstances. Hibs have changed manager and playing style, while the knockout format adds another consideration.

His message before Hampden was to channel the rivalry into the performance and avoid allowing the occasion to distract his players.

Reedijk targets his first Hibs victory

Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at St Mirren gave Reedijk his first point after three defeats, according to Hibernian’s match report. Hibs led through Marko Ivezić before an own goal by their defender Jason Kerr earned St Mirren a 1-1 draw.

The semi-final gives the new manager an opportunity to secure his first win and a place in a final in the same afternoon.

Reedijk has acknowledged the importance of the derby while maintaining that his longer-term work must continue regardless of the result. Boyle’s availability gives him another attacking option for that immediate challenge.

There is also a significant Hampden record for Hibs to overcome. Hearts’ official announcement records four previous Edinburgh derbies at the national stadium, with Hearts winning all four.

Those meetings came in the Scottish Cup. Sunday will be the clubs’ first encounter in a League Cup semi-final, with the opportunity to write a different chapter and move within one match of silverware.