Hibs Preview

Our 2-0 defeat last week was not a disaster by any means and the half chances we created have given us some cause for optimism. We defended fairly well for most of the game but the two goals we lost both came from errors – Terry Butcher will be hoping that these lapses in concentration are ironed out against a Hibs side that is capable of scoring goals.

Hibs have a lot of youngsters and they will be hoping that they improve after a year’s experience – just as ours did last season. They played well in the first half last week against a Kilmarnock side tipped to struggle but they were denied time and time again by Alan Combe. The visitors to Easter Road managed to drag themselves back into the game after the break and scored a free kick winner. Hibs fans were relatively pleased with the performance though and if they get the first goal on Saturday, they could be hard to stop. As was said by one fan though, even if Hibs have improved, their defence still contains Colin Murdock – surely chances will come!

For us, we will give a debut to Kevin McBride at some point – Shaun Fagan doesn’t deserve to be dropped after his efforts at Celtic but the chance to put a genuine right sided player into the side may prove too much for Tel to resist. Alex Burns struggled to make an impression on the Celtic defence last week and it would be surprising if Scott McDonald did not force his way into the starting eleven. David Clarkson has looked off form in recent weeks but it seems unlikely that he will be dropped this early in the season. What he and the rest of the team need is backing from a strong home support.

It is vital that we do not lose on Saturday and if we are to hope for a successful season then three points are required from this type of game. This affair could go either way but there is no reason not to be optimistic and back us to edge it by 2-1.


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