Hibs v Brora Rangers: Betfred Cup team news, starting XI, how to watch, match odds

Hibs get their 2020/21 Betfred Cup group campaign under way with a home meeting against Highland League side Brora Rangers.

Darren McGregor, Kyle Magennis, and Jamie Gullan could all feature against Brora Rangers

The Easter Road side has enjoyed a strong start to the Scottish Premiership season, taking 20 points from their opening ten matches and currently sitting in third place in the table. They host the Highland League champions in the first competitive meeting between the two teams.

Jack Ross will have to negotiate three league cup games without a handful of key players who are on international duty.

As a result the Hibs boss will turn to some of his fringe men for the matches against Brora, Cove Rangers, and Forfar Athletic.

Team news: Hibs are without four first-team players with Josh Doig, Alex Gogic, Ofir Marciano, and Ryan Porteous all on international duty. Young ‘keeper Murray Johnson is also away with Scotland Under-17s. With Marciano unavailable and Kevin Dabrowski on loan at Dumbarton Dillon Barnes will likely start in goals with Patrick Martin on the bench.

Scott Allan won’t be involved and the match could come too early for Joe Newell who left Easter Road wearing an arm sling after the 3-2 win against Hamilton. Indeed, the midfielder did not appear to take part in training at East Mains on Tuesday.

Kyle Magennis could feature after signing a five-year deal on deadline day while Sean Mackie could also be included in the squad as he steps up his return to match fitness.

Possible line-up: Barnes; P McGinn, McGregor, Hanlon, Stevenson; Wright, Hallberg, Mallan, Murphy; Nisbet, Gullan. Subs from: Martin, Gray, Mackie, S McGinn, Boyle, Magennis, Bradley, Shanley, Doidge.

Match details: Kick-off 7.45pm, Easter Road, Edinburgh.

How to watch: Hibs are offering a pay-per-view option for fans of both teams for £9.99. Season-ticket holders will have the game included in their package.

Key stat: Nine players in the Hibs matchday squad for the first Betfred Cup group game against Stirling Albion last year have left the club either permanently or on loan.

Referee: Alan Muir is the man in the middle for this cup tie. His last match involving Hibs was the 2-1 win against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on February 16. He is assisted by Davd McGeachie and Chris Phillips.

Match odds: Hibs 1/11 Draw 8/1 Brora Rangers 18/1 (odds supplied by McBookie)