A four-goal win ahead of the season's first Edinburgh derby at Easter Road would usually be seen as ideal preparation.

Hibernian's capital rivals, however, managed the same feat, and remain 14 points ahead in the SPFL Championship league table.

Sunday's derby, therefore, has become more of a test of Alan Stubbs' side than that of Robbie Neilson.

Hibs' five-game unbeaten run - which includes a League Cup win over Ross County and triumph against Rangers at Ibrox - has raised expectations at Easter Road, although Saturday's 4-0 victory over Livingston merely prevented the gap between the capital sides widening.

Midfielder Dylan McGeouch, though, feels his side have turned a corner. He said: "We're confident for next week. It hasn't been the best of starts but we're starting to put performances in and starting to get the results. Hopefully we can do well against Hearts. They're doing really well, winning games, and that's what we need to do from now on … start pushing on and pushing for the top of the league."

McGeouch, who capped a dynamic display by adding the third goal from the penalty spot in West Lothian, added: "It's the old cliche, one game at a time, and we need to look after ourselves; whatever Hearts do, it's up to them, but we need to keep winning games and see where it takes us."

Hibs went ahead after 31 minutes at the Energy Assets Arena when goalkeeper Darren Jamieson parried David Gray's cross into the path of Dominique Malonga. Jason Cummings then set up Danny Handling with a flick to score after 53 minutes, McGeouch scored a penalty after Cummings was tripped by Craig Sives in the box, and substitute Paul Heffernan completed the scoring, getting on the end of Lewis Stevenson's front-post delivery.

Hibs, however, could today lose on-loan goalkeeper Mark Oxley, with Hull City considering recalling him due to an injury crisis. With Allan McGregor sidelined, Steve Harper was then withdrawn hurt from Hull's 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.