Dundee United v Hibs: Match preview and probable line-ups

Hibs travel to Tannadice tonight to take on title challengers Dundee United in a potentially season-defining match in the Ladbrokes Championship.
Jason Cummings scored twice when Hibs defeated Dundee United 3-1 in January. Pic: Neil HannaJason Cummings scored twice when Hibs defeated Dundee United 3-1 in January. Pic: Neil Hanna
Jason Cummings scored twice when Hibs defeated Dundee United 3-1 in January. Pic: Neil Hanna

The Arabs currently sit seven points behind the Hibees with a game in hand, with the two clubs sandwiching Falkirk who are six points behind Hibs in second place, albeit having played a game more than the Easter Road side. The result at Tannadice, therefore, will have a major impact on who is considered favourite to grab automatic promotion to the Premiership. The last time the two sides met, Hibs blew the Tangerines away at Easter Road with goals from Jason Cummings (2) and John McGinn in a dominant 3-0 victory, but the last time the two met at Tannadice, United stole the three points after Martin Boyle missed a penalty and Tony Andreu scored his.

Hibs head coach Neil Lennon is still struggling with a defensive injury crisis, with Liam Fontaine and Paul Hanlon out with ankle and pelvis injuries respectively. Also unavailable are midfielders Dylan McGeouch (groin), Alex Harris (thigh), Danny Handling (fitness) and Chris Humphrey (ankle). Ray McKinnon, who was spotted at Easter Road during the Scottish Cup holders’ 3-1 quarter final win over Ayr United, has a fully fit squad to choose from. Lewis Toshney may return to the starting XI in midfield.

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Both sides are struggling for consistent form, with Hibs not having won in the league since beating Queen of the South 1-0 at Palmerston Park at the end of January. United, meanwhil,e have only won one of their last seven, a 3-0 home victory over struggling Raith Rovers.

Probable Hibs XI (4-4-2 Diamond): Marciano; Stevenson, Ambrose, McGregor, Gray; Bartley, McGinn, Boyle, Shinnie; Holt, Cummings. Subs from: Laidlaw, Forster, McLean, Crane, Fyvie, Martin, Keatings, Graham

Probable Dundee United XI (4-2-3-1): Bell; Van der Struijk, Durnan, Edjenguele, Dixon; Toshney, Flood; Fraser, Andreu, Van der Velden; Mikkleson. Subs from: Zwick, Dillon, Robson, Murdoch, Telfer, Coote, Murray, Nicholls.

Referee: D Robertson

Where and When: Tannadice, Friday March 10, kick-off 7.45pm, live on BT Sport 1.