Hibs will be hoping to build on a stronger second half to last season that took them to within a coat of paint of finishing fourth after a horrendous run of form in the early part of the campaign – had Will Fish’s header been a little further to the right during the final day draw at Tynecastle.
Lee Johnson’s side have been handed relatively kind fixtures in August and September, with the first derby and Old Firm game not until October. They need a strong start if they are serious about beating Aberdeen and Hearts to third. We look at those fixtures and other key dates for the campaign, including all the Edinburgh derby matches...
5. Last (fixture before) Christmas
Hibs make the trek to Dingwall two days before Christmas to play Ross County. At least it's not midweek... Picture: Rob Casey/SNS Group Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
6. The New Year / Festive Derby
No January derby this year as Hearts visit Easter Road on December 27 for the festive encounter between the two rivals. Picture: Craig Williamson/SNS Group Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
7. Final game of 2023
Hibs' final game before the dawn of 2024 is a trip to Perth to play St Johnstone. Picture: Mark Scates/SNS Group Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
8. Worst month
A tie between October - Hearts and Rangers away plus Celtic at home - and December, when Hibs play Aberdeen (H), Celtic (A), Livingston (A), Rangers (H), Ross County (A), Hearts (H), and St Johnstone (A) in the space of 28 days. Picture: Craig Williamson/SNS Group Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group