What’s Next for Askou and Hatate in the Edinburgh Derby?

This Boxing Day fixture list in the Scottish Premiership features exciting matches that could have significant implications for both title contenders and relegation battles. Key fixtures include the Edinburgh derby where Hibernian face Hearts, Celtic visiting Livingston, and Rangers hosting Motherwell. Each game carries weight for the teams' standings, making this a thrilling day for Scottish football fans.

Last updated: 27 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Scottish Premiership gears up for an exciting 27 December slate of matches, fans are eagerly awaiting pivotal clashes that could reshape the league standings. The standout match is undoubtedly the Edinburgh derby between Hibernian and Hearts, which promises to be a fierce contest. Meanwhile, reigning champions Celtic aim to bounce back against bottom-placed Livingston, while Rangers look to secure their position against Motherwell, who have been in impressive form. These fixtures are not just about bragging rights; they carry significant implications for the title race and relegation battle.

Key takeaways

The Edinburgh derby between Hibernian and Hearts is the highlight of the fixtures.
Celtic seeks redemption against bottom club Livingston after recent setbacks.
Rangers face an in-form Motherwell, who are unbeaten in their last ten league matches.

Timeline: how we got here

The current standings and dynamics of the Scottish Premiership have developed through a series of key events:

1 October 2023: The first Edinburgh derby of the season ends in a narrow victory for Hearts, with Craig Halkett scoring the decisive goal.
Early December 2023: Celtic appoint Wilfried Nancy as their new manager, hoping to revitalise their season.
Mid-December 2023: Rangers struggle to find consistent form, raising concerns about their attacking capabilities.
23 December 2023: Motherwell's impressive run continues, leaving them in contention for a European spot.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week's matches bring heightened stakes, particularly for Hearts, who could extend their lead at the top of the table with a win over Hibernian. Celtic's strategy under new manager Nancy is still evolving, and the performance of key players like Reo Hatate will be pivotal. Rangers will look to overcome their recent goal-scoring difficulties against a resilient Motherwell side.

What was already established

Hearts have consistently shown strong form this season, particularly with their victories against both Celtic and Rangers this month. Hibernian, on the other hand, aim to turn their fortunes around and remain competitive for a European spot. Motherwell’s defensive prowess has been a standout feature of their campaign, leading them to an impressive unbeaten streak.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans attending the matches, local businesses around Easter Road, Ibrox, and other stadiums will benefit from increased footfall. The festive period is typically lucrative for pubs and restaurants, providing a boost to the economy. However, if results do not go as hoped for popular teams like Celtic and Rangers, it could dampen post-match celebrations.

Businesses and jobs

Clubs will be keen to maintain momentum not only for results but also for commercial partnerships and fan engagement. Successful performances, particularly in high-stakes matches, can lead to increased merchandise sales and ticket sales for future games. For clubs like Motherwell, continued success could attract new sponsorship opportunities.

Policy and regulation

The Scottish Premiership is under scrutiny with ongoing discussions regarding fan safety and stadium regulations. The performances and conduct of clubs during this festive period could influence future policy decisions, particularly regarding crowd management and safety regulations in the wake of increased attendance during holiday fixtures.

Numbers that matter

Hearts could go nine points clear at the top of the table with a win over Hibs.
Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has created 26 chances from open play this season, the highest in the Premiership.
Motherwell have not conceded in over a month, with six straight clean sheets.
Only 15 goals have been conceded by Motherwell this season, making them one of the best defensive teams.
Craig Halkett’s injury-time goal in October secured a 1-0 victory for Hearts in the first derby.

Definitions and jargon buster

Easter Road: The home ground of Hibernian Football Club located in Edinburgh.
Old Firm: The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, two of the most successful clubs in Scottish football.
Expected assists (xA): A metric that estimates the likelihood that a pass will become a goal assist based on various factors.
3-4-3 formation: A tactical setup in football where three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards are used.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate weeks following these fixtures, teams will look to build momentum heading into January. For clubs like Hibernian and Hearts, maintaining form in the derby will be crucial for confidence.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, clubs must navigate injuries and squad depth, particularly during the January transfer window, which could see movements to strengthen the squad. Teams like Motherwell may also look to cement their position in the upper half of the table.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics of key players such as Reo Hatate and Tawanda Maswanhise.
Results of upcoming fixtures, particularly those involving title challengers and relegation contenders.
Injury reports leading up to and during the January transfer window.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow player performances closely, particularly those involved in key matches.
Engage with local businesses around match days to support the community.

Don’t

Overlook the importance of derby matches; they can significantly impact team morale.
Ignore the statistics—defensive records can hint at future success.

Checklist

Check team news and player fitness before match day.
Monitor the league standings after each match to assess title and relegation implications.
Engage with fan forums or local pubs to discuss the matches and predictions.
Keep an eye on upcoming fixtures to plan for potential attendance.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the implications of these matches are significant, the unpredictable nature of football means that outcomes can vary widely. Injuries to key players, changes in management strategies, and even weather conditions can influence performance. Fans and analysts must remain cautious in making predictions, particularly given the close nature of the league this season.

Bottom line

The Boxing Day fixtures represent a crucial moment in the Scottish Premiership, with matches that could define the title race and relegation battle. With Hibernian and Hearts set to clash in a historic derby, and Celtic looking to regain form, the stakes are high. For fans, this is a time to celebrate the sport and its unpredictability.

FAQs

What is the significance of the Edinburgh derby on 27 December?

The Edinburgh derby is significant as it marks a historic rivalry between Hibernian and Hearts, with potential implications for the title race and local pride.

How have Celtic been performing under Wilfried Nancy?

Celtic has struggled for consistency under Wilfried Nancy, but key players like Reo Hatate are crucial for the team's attacking creativity moving forward.

What should fans expect from the match between Rangers and Motherwell?

Fans can expect a competitive match, as Motherwell is unbeaten in ten league matches, while Rangers are looking to improve their attacking performance.