Hibs predicted XI as AFCON stars return to bolster stretched Easter Road squad for Motherwell showdown

Outside of a derby, this is arguably as big as it gets. A head-to-head between direct rivals separated by just two points. A clash of perceptions, as much as anything else, given the hype surrounding Motherwell.

The Steelmen sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership. Hibs, who have won three on the bounce, have Jens Berthel Askou’s men firmly in their sights.

So how are the Easter Road side shaping up for a home game with the potential to define the second half of their season? In a campaign that has been anything but easy, David Gray can hardly be surprised to find himself facing a few difficulties.

With joint top scorer Martin Boyle and reliable assist provider Nicky Cadden among those on a lengthy injury list, there will inevitably be a bit of make-do-and-mend about elements of the starting XI. But the return of Jordan Obita, Rocky Bushiri and Miguel Chaiwa from AFCON duty - even if there may be differing levels of contribution - does give the Hibs boss options.

With Kieron Bowie recovered from illness, the gaffer is likely to break up the starting strike partnership of Elie Youan and Thibault Klidje from last weekend’s win over Kilmarnock. And there’s a decision to be made if Jack Iredale is still struggling with the heel problem caused by an awkward landing on the plastic pitch at Rugby Park.

All that being said, then, here’s how we think Hibs are most likely to line up against visitors pitched - by some pundits -as somewhere between the Brazil 1970 squad and the next incarnation of Johann Cruyf’s Barcelona Dream Team ...