Hibs v Aberdeen: What can we expect from Jack Ross' press conference?

Topics that might come up as boss looks ahead to Dons test

Jack Ross is due to face the media later today

There are numerous talking points ahead of Hibs’ home clash with Aberdeen on Sunday (kick-off 4.30pm). Here’s a quick look at what could be discussed…

New contracts

Tying down Martin Boyle on a new deal was a smart bit of business by Hibs. The winger is a key figure for the Easter Road side both on and off the pitch, with the ability to win matches and keep things light-hearted on the training ground. There are a handful of players whose current contracts run out next summer and with Jack Ross already indicating a desire to offer at least some of them a lengthier stay in the Capital, he could well be pressed on what other talks, if any, are close to a conclusion.

Transfer activity

Sporting Director Graeme Mathie appeared on a Hibs fans podcast earlier this week and hinted that there may be more transfer movement before the window closes in early October. With more than a month to play with and Ross actively seeking to bolster his options in the middle of the park, the head coach may be asked for an update on any potential targets.

Dons test

Hibs and Aberdeen have played out some entertaining games in recent years. The Dons won the last meeting, a 3-1 win at Pittodrie in a match that saw the Capital club reduced to ten men early in the second half, but a Martin Boyle-inspired Hibs ran out convincing 3-0 winners in the last encounter at Easter Road. Derek McInnes has led his side to three wins in seven days with league victories over St Johnstone and Livingston, and a comfortable 6-0 dismantling of Faroese outfit NSI Runavik in the Europa League, but Sunday’s fixture could be a different kettle of fish. Hibs will be looking to extend their unbeaten run and build on their late, late victory at McDiarmid Park while three points for Aberdeen would haul the Dandies further up the table. The likely presence of former Hibs target Ross McCrorie in the visitors starting line-up could add a bit of spice to proceedings.

Team selection

As mentioned, Jack Ross is keen to bring in at least one new face in the middle of the park. Scott Allan was returned to the starting line-up against St Johnstone but it was substitute Stevie Mallan who had the biggest impact, making his first appearance since December 2019 and smashing an unstoppable penalty past Elliot Parish for the winner. In the past two or three matches, Hibs haven’t looked at their best in the midfield and Ross may be tempted to shake things up for the visit of Aberdeen.

No Doidge, no party

Christian Doidge scored 18 goals in all competitions last season for Hibs, and has already opened his account this campaign with a goal against Livingston and the winner at Dundee United. Despite his form, he was overlooked for the Wales squad due to take on Finland and Bulgaria during next week's international break. Ross may well be asked for his thoughts on the omission and what impact it could have on the Welshman at club level.

Other internationals

Hibs have Ryan Porteous away with the Scotland Under-21 squad while goalkeeper Ofir Marciano could line up for Israel against Steve Clarke’s senior Scotland side at Hampden. Beyond that, there are no players involved in international games, so the time off could be a good time for the Easter Road playing pool to recharge the batteries ahead of the trip to St Mirren on September 12. Ross may be asked about how the non-international players will be maintaining fitness during the extended break, with the possibility of bounce games being set up to keep things ticking over.