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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Hearts and Hibs in Conference League & Viaplay Cup fixture dilemma

Hearts and Hibernian could be set to play in Edinburgh on the same day next month.

It comes after last night's Viaplay Cup draw following on from Dundee's win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Both capital clubs have been drawn at home for their respective last 16 ties. Hearts will face Partick Thistle at Tynecastle, while Hibs will take on Thistle's Championship rivals Raith Rovers at Easter Road.

The first knockout round of the League Cup is scheduled for the weekend of August 19/20.

However, should Lee Johnson's men turn it around in their Conference League tie against Andorran’s Inter Escaldes, they will join the Jambos in the third qualifying round of the continental competition and the Saturday date for their Viaplay Cup fixtures will be ruled out.

With the Edinburgh festival also on throughout the month, council chiefs will have a situation where both clubs are at their home grounds on the same day.

An SPFL statement reads: “The draw has just taken place and we will be engaging with Viaplay regarding TV selections before confirming the fixture details as soon as possible.”

Dates and kick-off times for each of the eight knockout games have yet to be confirmed.

Hearts and Hibs last fulfilled home fixtures on the same day in January 2022, when the former beat Motherwell 2-0, and the latter lost 3-2 to Livingston.

Celtic will travel to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock in the last 16, while Rangers will host Morton.

There's an all-Premiership clash as St Mirren and Motherwell face off in Paisley.

Stirling Albion have been rewarded for their fine form with a home tie against Aberdeen, as Livingston host Ayr United and Airdrieonians welcome Ross County.

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