The last three matches have provided only one point out of nine but with two of those games being against the Old Firm it is not quite as bad as it seems. We played very well at Celtic for a spell and matched Rangers before we were dismal against
Oops
Our opponents have also being struggling recently and are without a win in six. Fletcher is a doubt with injury while several players are reportedly struggling with a stomach bug. This should be taken with a large pinch of salt though - we can remember countless occasions when sides were claiming they could hardly name an eleven before they produced remarkable recoveries for the weekend!
Mark McGhee will have to make at least one change as Clarkson is suspended and this could prompt a return to 4-3-3. Porter will surely start after being inexplicably dropped last time and though Sutton is in the midst of a relative goal drought, he will surely play. McGarry's place could be under pressure and Murphy, buoyed by his international goal in mid-week, is a contender to come back in. Smith and O'Brien are further options but have been marginalised this season.
We have had a great record against Hibs under Mark McGhee with five wins out of six and hopefully that will continue. This is a game we urgently need to win if we are to get our European challenge back on track and we should be able to celebrate a 2-1 success.