Hibs have secured their top six place but some inconsistent form has seen them fall challenging near the top to just clinging on to their European spot. Indeed, should we defeat them on Saturday, Kilmarnock will almost certainly skip into fourth ahead of them and we will be within six points of the Leith side.
Foran from the Spot in September
With goalkeeper Simon Brown one change to their side. Garry O’Connor’s recent move to Russia will not harm our chances of picking up a result either.
However, our team selection is beginning to become trickier. Jim Paterson is now challenging for a starting spot, Scott Leitch must be close to contending, while Quinn and Fitzpatrick played for the reserves in mid-week. We then need to consider whether or not we stick with ageing Uncle Phil in midfield – who did well against Falkirk – or whether we believe his old legs will be punished by a youthful Hibs and replace him with Brian Kerr. Decisions decisions! This is a rare situation for Terry Butcher to be in but given our recent wins it is hard to imagine him making more changes than are absolutely necessary. The Kerr/O’Donnell switch is most likely to be the only one made from last week.
We have not done well against Hibs this season. They gave us a lesson at
Going into this game we know that Aberdeen will almost certainly pick up three points at home to Livingston but with Inverness’ trip to Parkhead postponed we also know that a win will take us back into the top half. If we can somehow achieve that we’ll definitely be above Aberdeen going into the crunch at Pittodrie next week, which could be an invaluable boost. Our best chance is probably to stop Hibs from playing quick passing football and we’ll also need to be cautious whilst attacking – their pace could easily slaughter us on the break. If things go to plan it won’t be pretty but we’ll be delighted again with a 2-1 win.
Remember the last time Hibs were at Fir Park?
