It’s not as if Marink Reedijk has a major problem in picking his strongest starting line-up. And tomorrow’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final may well be decided by the ‘finishers’ who come off the bench when the game gets stretched.
The return of Martin Boyle gives Hibs a great option, at least, with the veteran attacker - and, until recently, on-field captain - bringing not just experience but devilment and drive to the Reedijk formation. Starting on the right, but given freedom to roam infield, he’s too good a player to keep on the side lines for this one - even if he hasn’t always been an automatic starter.
That would allow Josh Mulligan to return to central midfield, possibly at the expense of Joe Newell, which would be extremely harsh on another former Hibs skipper, but potentially in place of Miguel Chaiwa, who has been declared fit. Which might just mean able to play through the thigh problem that forced him off in midweek.
You never know, of course. Reedijk may be dreaming up something wild for this one. Working on a sucker punch that Wouter Vrancken will never see coming. Failing that, here’s how we think Hibs will line up:
1. GK Raphael Sallinger
Austrian goalie, without a clean sheet to his name in the league this season, is yet to conceded in the League Cup. | SNS Group
2. RB Felix Passlack
Captain MUST be better defensively than in his most recent derby outing. But is used as a valuable attacking outlet by Reedijk. | SNS Group
3. CB Jason Kerr
Boyhood Hibs fans could do with a big performance after back-to-back own goals cost his team dearly. He is also still a threat in the opposition box, at least. Back him as first scorer, then ... | SNS Group
4. CB Marko Ivezic
Big man absolutely loved scoring his first Hibs goal in midweek. Celebrations could be something to remember if he finds the net at Hampden. Ability on the ball is crucial to how Hibs build play. | SNS Group