David Gray takes his Hibs team to Paisley tomorrow night knowing that finishing third in the Scottish Premiership is virtually within the grasp of the Easter Road side. Barring a major shock in the Scottish Cup final, Hibernian would then be GUARANTEED Europa Conference League group stage football next season - and might even fancy their chances of making into the Europa League groups.
With Aberdeen hosting Celtic tomorrow night, Hibs must at least match the Dons’ result in the Granite City when they take on St Mirren - the only Scottish Premiership team yet to suffer a defeat to Gray’s men in this remarkable season - in the penultimate round of top flight fixtures.
In terms of injuries, the only two players definitely ruled out are club captain Joe Newell and young attacking midfielder Rudi Molotnikov, both recovering from long-term issues. Elie Youan is officially fit enough to feature again, although the French attacker hasn’t featured despite recovering from toe and knee problems.
Hibs currently occupy third spot, three points clear of Aberdeen - but with a massively superior goal difference. Gray’s men welcome Rangers to Easter Road in the final round of fixtures on Saturday, while the Dons travel to Tannadice to take on Dundee United.
Here’s how we think Hibs will line up tomorrow night:
5. RWB Chris Cadden
Having missed out on not one but TWO European adventures with Hibs due to injury, the former Motherwell man is desperate to achieve something special this season - and stay fit long enough to enjoy it. | SNS Group
6. CM Nectar Triantis
Another whose future is uncertain, with parent club Sunderland still to decide on what happens next. He's been a huge factor in getting Hibs so close to achieving a remarkable finish in the Scottish Premiership. | SNS Group
7. CM Dylan Levitt
Welsh midfielder is playing the best football of his career. Which is just delightful timing, all round. | SNS Group
8. LWB Jordan Obita
Keeping Nicky Cadden out of the team. Which tells you everything you need to know about the ability and reliability of last season's double Player of the Year winner. | SNS Group