Hibs head to Tynecastle eager to do more than just prove - or even earn - a point tomorrow night, as David Gray’s men seek to improve their recent Edinburgh derby record to four wins out of the last five. But Gray has injury problems to contend with as he looks to avenge his team’s 1-0 loss in Gorgie way back in October.
So, with the likes of Josh Mulligan, Grant Hanley and now Jordan Obita DEFINITELY out, while Warren O’Hora and Jamie McGrath unlikely to feature despite training today, what does the gaffer decide to do? Well, some choices are easy.
If it’s almost a case of last man standing in defence or at left wingback, though, Gray does have choices to make at the top end of the park. The front three of Dane Scarlett supported by Martin Boyle and Elie Youan worked very well against Dundee United last week, so why change that?
Then again, Ante Suto came off the bench to score an injury-time winner on his Easter Road debut. And the guy looks like he’s built -mentally, as much as physically - for the unarmed combat of derby day.
Taking into account everything we know, then, here’s how we THINK Hibs will line up in enemy territory:
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1. GK Raphael Sallinger
Undisputed and unrivalled in the starting position, the Austrian goalie will need to be at his best tomorrow night. Distribution - especially ability to launch counter-attacks with direct balls into dangerous areas - may prove crucial. | SNS Group
2. RCB Munashe Garananga
Deadline Day signing looked solid enough, after just one training session, for most of last week's 3-2 win over Dundee United. With Warren O'Hora struggling for fitness, Zimbabwean international is only real option in position. | SNS Group
3. CB Rocky Bushiri
The lynchpin in that Hibs back three. Sets the defensive line - and uses his pace to close any breaches. Loves a dramatic goal, too ... | SNS Group
4. LCB Jack Iredale
Played extremely well against Hearts as Hibs beat their rivals at Easter Road back in December. Same again requried. | SNS Group