Tennis legend Andy Murray and boxer Josh Taylor, both outspoken Hibs supporters, have said a Hearts title would benefit Scottish football. Murray told Sky Sports a championship for Hearts would “shake things up,” while Taylor posted on X that the Old Firm’s grip is “boring.” Their comments have sparked a flurry of reaction among Easter Road fans ahead of Sunday’s derby.

Hearts sit top of the Scottish Premiership with five games left, their first title since 1960, and lead the Old Firm by three points as the league splits. Hibs, five places above the relegation zone but 19 points adrift, are fighting Motherwell for a Conference League spot. Many supporters voiced mixed feelings, some preferring a Rangers or Celtic win, others welcoming any break in the duopoly.

On the pitch, Hibs entered the last derby with a 3‑2 win at Easter Road in December, while Hearts have managed only one victory in their previous seven league visits. Defender Warren O’Hora hinted at “putting a bee in their bonnet” to stop Hearts, and Murray added that a Hibs win would dent the champions’ hopes. Sunday's result will decide whether the title race stays a two‑team affair or opens up for the rest of Scotland.