Hibs v Ross County preview: Scottish Premiership team news, referee, starting XI, how to watch, match odds

Regan Charles-Cook of Ross County battes fo the ball with Hibs' defender Paul Hanlon during the last meeting between the two teamsRegan Charles-Cook of Ross County battes fo the ball with Hibs' defender Paul Hanlon during the last meeting between the two teams
Regan Charles-Cook of Ross County battes fo the ball with Hibs' defender Paul Hanlon during the last meeting between the two teams
Hibs host Ross County on Wednesday night looking to return to winning ways after their narrow 1-0 defeat by Rangers at the weekend.

Former Hibs captain and manager John Hughes has taken the reins at Victoria Park following Stuart Kettlewell’s sacking but the Staggies lost 2-0 and had two men sent off in their match against St Mirren on Boxing Day.

They haven’t won a league game since September and will be without Ross Draper and Josh Reid after their dismissals in the last game while Charlie Lakin is also sidelined. Former Hibs striker Oli Shaw has returned to action and could feature against his former club.

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Team news: Christian Doidge is available for selection having served a one-game ban for the trip to Rangers. Scott Allan remains out but Sean Mackie, Kyle Magennis and Ofir Marciano could return from injury, while Jamie Murphy also has an outside chance of featuring. Stevie Mallan has missed the last couple of matches and is doubtful.

Jack Ross opted for a 3-5-2 set-up at Ibrox against Rangers but could change things up given the personnel available to him this week. Josh Doig performed well on his return to the starting line-up and could keep his place while Christian Doidge's availability could allow Martin Boyle to return to a role on the wing.

Possible line-up (4-4-2): Marciano; P McGinn, Porteous, Hanlon, Doig; Boyle, Hallberg, Newell, Wright; Doidge, Nisbet. Subs from: Barnes, Gray, McGregor, Stevenson, Magennis, Gogic, Gullan, Bradley.

Match details: Wednesday December 30; kick-off 6.00pm, Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh

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How to watch: Fans of both teams will be able to watch this game on Hibs' pay-per-view TV option – details here.

Key stat: County haven’t scored a league goal since Tom Grivosti’s strike against Kilmarnock on November 21 and have lost ten of their last 12 Scottish Premiership matches.

Referee: Don Robertson takes charge of this encounter, having been the fourth official for Hibs’ 1-0 win against St Mirren. He is assisted by John McCrossan and Andy Milne while fourth-official duties will be handled by Matthew MacDermid.

Match odds: Hibs 40/85 Draw 15/4 Ross County 5/1 (odds supplied by McBookie).

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