There is no doubt that the injury to Josh Mulligan, effectively kicked out of last weekend’s shock Scottish Cup loss to Dunfermline in Fife, has a serious impact on David Gray’s ideal starting XI. The former Dundee all-rounder is a stick-on to be included in the line-up, when fit.
As Hibs head to Falkirk on league business today, the Easter Road side hoping to not only bounce back from their Cup embarrassment but extend their recent unbeaten run to an even half dozen Scottish Premiership games, the visitors have a number of decisions to make. Starting with whether it’s just as simple as dropping Miguel Chaiwa straight into Mulligan’s position - and asking the Zambian international to set about the Bairns.
Without revisiting the debate over the starting XI picked to face the Pars, we should probably expect a few changes for this one. Assuming Martin Boyle is fit, you couldn’t really argue that Thibault Klidje had done enough to retain his place, for one.
Joe Newell is also likely to return to the bench after his first start in over a year, you’d imagine, with Dan Barlaser stepping back into the midfield. Unless, of course, Gray decides to shake up the entire midfield, tweak the formation ab it to go with a flat three - and look for a different way to break the home team down.
With all that in mind, then, here’s how we think Hibs will line up tomorrow:
9. CAM Jamie McGrath
Needs to start, when fit. And has to play in that attacking midfield role, when possible, rather than filling in at left wingback. | SNS Group
10. CF Martin Boyle
Assuming the Soccceroos striker is fully fit, it's hard to see him being kept out of the starting XI by any of the alternatives. | SNS Group
11. CF Kieron Bowie
Could this be his last outing in green-and-white, given the transfer interest in the Scotland striker? Looked leggy last weekend. But Hibs don't have many alternatives to fill the No. 9 role. Photo: Roddy Scott/SNS Group