Over six long months later, the 2019/20 Scottish Cup semi-finals have arrived.
Last season's pandemic-curtailed tournament is about to emerge from cold storage and there's an absolute cracker in store at Hampden.
Hibs take on Hearts for a place in the final and the right to call Edinburgh their own.
It's a fixture that deserves a full house but the capital rivals will have to make do with the eyes of the nation watching on from afar.
But will it be Jack Ross or Robbie Neilson who prevails at Hampden? Our writers have delivered their verdicts.
David McCarthy
This is a contest that deserves a full house rather than an empty Hampden but it’s the wide open spaces on the pitch rather than in the stands that will suit Hibs more. Martin Boyle’s pace can be the difference, allied to the predatory instincts of Kevin Nisbet. If Craig Gordon has one of his days when nothing gets past him, Hearts have a chance. But the form book suggests it’ll be Hibs’ day.
Hibs 3 Hearts 1
Craig Swan
Hibs have the advantage of playing top-flight games this term and also have more minutes in their legs. That should be enough to see them overcome their Edinburgh rivals, but it’ll be tight.
Hibs 2 Hearts 1
Ross Pilcher
Hibs are right in the swing of things and have plenty of competitive action in the legs compared to Hearts. However, the Jambos harbour a sense of injustice, are arguably fresher and it’s Hibs at Hampden - it’s a fixture that tends to go one way and there’s more than one in maroon that’s been there and done it against the Hibees on this stage.
Hearts 2 Hibs 1
Gavin Berry
It should be a cracker but the extra games this season should ensure Hibs are better prepared for a game of this magnitude and that little bit of added quality with Kevin Nisbet up front should see Jack Ross’s men edge it.
Hearts 1 Hibs 2
Michael Gannon
This could be a tense tight game with so much at stake. Hibs have suffered some sore ones against their old pals but they can secure a memorable win in the most dramatic and nerve-racking ways.
Hearts 0 Hibs 0 (Hibs to win on penalties)
Fraser Wilson
Despite the division between the rivals this Edinburgh derby is as difficult to predict as any. Both sides contain quality and one exceptional performance could be the difference. I can just see Craig Gordon being that man between the sticks for Hearts.
Hearts 2 Hibs 1 (aet)
