In different circumstances, this might be just the sort of game managers have in mind when they talk about the dreaded - by players, anyway - squad rotation. St Mirren in Paisley on a cold Wednesday night, just before you head to Hampden to take on your closest rivals in a Premier Sports Cup semi-final? Ring the changes and focus on the big one ...
Except, of course, that every game is enormous for Hibs at the moment. Three games into Marink Reedijk’s time as manager, and with zero points to show for their efforts, the Easter Road side need a victory for obvious, clear and pressing reasons.
With Martin Boyle still unwell and no-one else ready to jump off the treatment table for a league game laden with opportunity, Reedijk arguably couldn’t make many changes even if he felt like it. Not now that he’s ruled out playing Grant Hanley at centre forward as a starting tactic.
On the back of a much-improved performance in Sunday’s defeat to league leaders Celtic, there’s also a case to be made for sticking with the guys who came close to grabbing at least a point in their meeting with the champions.
Here’s how we think Hibs will line up:
5. LB Adam Mayor
Not as attack-minded as Passlack, but will be expected to contribute going forward. | Alan Rennie
6. CM Miguel Chaiwa
Brings enormous energy to central midfield, influencing how quickly his team play. | SNS Group
7. CM Joe Newell
May not be up to playing two games in four days. But has earned the right to play again after answering SOS against Celtic. | SNS Group
8. RM/AM Josh Mulligan
Brings a real drive to any position. Wasn't the worst in a hybrid right midfield/attacking midfield role on Sunday. | SNS Group