Hibs head into tomorrow’s home clash with Kilmarnock well aware that only a victory will suffice, if they’re to at least maintain some degree of pressure on Motherwell in the race for guaranteed European football. Which makes it all the more vital that David Gray has a full squad to choose from.
His team currently six points adrift of fourth place, and with fifth only delivering UEFA qualification in conjunction with a Scottish Cup win for Celtic, Gray knows to expect a difficult test against opponents steadily moving themselves well clear of the relegation zone under the guidance of new manager Neil McCann. The home side at Easter Road will need to be at their very best, after back-to-back goalless draws against Livingston and Motherwell, to extend their Scottish Premiership unbeaten run to half a dozen straight games.
Miles in the legs - and miles in the air - will likely be a factor, with the Aussie pair of Martin Boyle and Ante Suto not back at East Mains until today after their Socceroos involvement in Sydney and Melbourne. Miguel Chaiwa trained fully, which is a relief for Gray, while one or two others are still nursing minor knocks.
Here’s how we think Hibs will line up for a must-win fixture:
5. RWB Felix Passlack
Fully recovered from ankle knock sustained late in 0-0 draw with Motherwell just before the break. | SNS Group
6. CM Miguel Chaiwa
If fit, he starts. Kai Andrews is probably a natural replacement in a slightly reshaped midfield, if the Zambian doesn't recover from a groin strain. | SNS Group
7. CM Dan Barlaser
On-loan Middlesbrough midfielder has an offer to stay at Easter Road beyond the end of the season, having become an ever-present for Hibs. | SNS Group
8. LWB Nicky Cadden
Will be the home side's main source of threatening deliveries into the box. | SNS Group