Away from all the side issues and outside noise, Hibs are chasing a remarkable bit of history when Celtic visit Easter Road on Sunday. A first home-and-away league double over the Hoops since season 1992-93 is the target.
But who does David Gray trust to get a victory that would, regardless of impact on the title race, represent another significant achievement for his boys? That’s where it gets tricky. And where Hearts fans become very, very interested in the minutiae of their rivals’ selection decisions ...
Grant Hanley, Raphael Sallinger and Felix Passlack are all suspended for this one because, well, you know. It’s hard to imagine Gray risking Josh Mulligan after so long out. And there are a couple of injuries.
He’ll pick his strongest XI, surely. Which we think will look like this:
5. RWB Kanayo Megwa
Gray could go with the more experienced Chris Cadden, especially at wingback. But Megwa did well at right back under extreme pressure as part of a nine-man team last weekend, and may be rewarded with a start in place of Passlack. | SNS Group
6. CM Miguel Chaiwa
Forever being linked with a move to Celtic. Will be interesting to see how he fares against them this weekend. | SNS Group
7. CM Joe Newell
Club captain is pushing for a return to the starting XI in place of Dan Barlaser, whose future remains uncertain. | SNS Group
8. LWB Nicky Cadden
Should at least be fresh, having played just 15 minutes of football last weekend before Sallinger's red card mind melt forced a change, with Cadden the unlucky outfielder making way. | SNS Group