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Does derby semi add 'more spice' or simply 'nice for fans'?

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Does derby semi add 'more spice' or simply 'nice for fans'?
Image · BBC Sport Football

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian have been drawn against each other in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals, setting up the first Edinburgh derby at Hampden Park in this competition’s last four. Hibs head coach David Gray said the tie is a "brilliant opportunity" and described it as having extra "spice" because of the rivalry, while Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken took a more measured view, saying it would be "nice for the fans" but stressing his focus remained on the next league match.

The article says both clubs reached the semi-finals with 3-0 quarter-final wins: Hearts beat Stenhousemuir and Hibs defeated Ross County. Gray welcomed the chance for a packed stadium and a major occasion after a run of mixed results for his side, including a derby defeat to Hearts in the league earlier this month. Vrancken, who has trophy-winning experience from Belgium, said his team should not look too far ahead despite the derby setting.

BBC Sport adds that Hearts and Hibs have met before in cup knockout ties, including an Edinburgh derby semi-final at Hampden in the Scottish Cup in 2022, but this will be their first League Cup semi-final meeting. The winners will move on to December’s final, with the other semi-final pairing Aberdeen and Rangers.

Read the full report at BBC Sport Football →

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