Hearts boss Daniel Stendel has urged weary Jambos supporters to bring the noise against Hibs.
The Tynecastle side are bottom of the Premiership after Saturday's defeat to Hamilton and know a result is desperately needed against their rivals on Boxing Day.
The German has yet to pick up a point in his first three league games in charge and admits the players are feeling the strain after the recent wretched run.
But he hopes the Hearts faithful can put the pain of recent results to one side and help secure a much-needed Edinburgh derby pick-me-up against Hibs .
He said "It's not easy, especially for the players.
"This is the worst moment for us all at this club that we dropped to the bottom of the table.
"But only we can change things, opinions and the atmosphere and hard work is the first way.
"I hope that we have a really, really good support. I can understand it's not easy for our fans after our last games. This is a special game for the club, the town and for us."
Stendel wants his players to show their battling qualities which were evident in their effort against Celtic last Wedesday.
And he knows commitment on the pitch will be greatly received in the stands.
Stendel added: "For us this is a big, big game and I expect we show it on Thursday.
"I expect that we fight every time, even when some things have happened that are not what we want.
"The easiest way to show the game is important is that we fight, run, tackle and try to win every duel to get the fans on our side."
