John Hughes and his merry men are having a wee dip in form at the moment. They haven't won an SPL game in the last three and they are recovering from a humiliating 5-1 drubbing at the hands of St Johnstone. Nish is suspended and McBride's pulled hamstring will keep him out. The manager tried to shoulder some of the blame for the defeat in Perth by claiming that he adopted the "wrong team". He was sent to the stand for his trackside behaviour.
Reynolds scores v Hibs
If Craig Brown's theory of fitness holds true then the visitors should be, at the very least, "leg weary". They have had an intense run of games (Saturday - Wednesday - Sunday -Wednesday) and again this Saturday while our guys have had a full week to recover from the exertions of the game at New Douglas Park.
If only it were that simple.
Fitzpatrick's hamstring injury will take weeks to mend but that apart we'll have almost a full squad available, so Craig and Archie will have a few choices to make. The back four has been so secure of late that it is unlikely to change but what of the midfield? McGlinchey had 35 minutes against Hamilton last week and must be considered a possible starter. Will Sutton partner Jutkiewicz or will Murphy's pace be preferred?
The one uncontrollable factor that can't be planned on the tactics board is the pitch. It is hard to believe that there can be much improvement before we have several weeks of growth. Although the conditions are the same for both teams it might be that our familiarity with the humps and hollows and the support of a home crowd could tip the balance. We might just keep the run going with a 1-0 win.
Remember the last time Hibs were at Fir Park?