Hibs head to Dens Park tomorrow looking to complete a straight hat-trick of league wins for only the second time in this season of stop-start advances and momentum-sapping set-backs. Heading to the City of Discovery off the back of not only a fine home victory over St Mirren, but Sunday’s historic away triumph against Celtic, David Gray’s men could hardly be in better form.
The visitors will also be boosted by the availability of a couple of stalwart performers, with both club captain Joe Newell and experienced wingback Chris Cadden expected to be in the squad. Even if they don’t make the starting XI, having that sort of game nous is comforting to a coach.
As for who does make the starting line-up? In all honesty, you wouldn’t expect Gray to make a lot of changes to the team who ended Hibernian’s 16-year wait for a victory at Celtic Park.
Kai Andrews makes a strong case for inclusion in central midfield, given his goal-scoring impact from the bench. But it’s hard to break up the trio of Chaiwa, Barlaser and McGrath, in any circumstances.
Up front, there are even more options available to Gray. Ante Suto and Dane Scarlett will each fell like they have a strong claim to start, given the way they played when introduced just before the hour mark against Celtic.
But Boyle’s experience, and Elding’s youthful energy, might just earn them the nod. Again.
Hibs start the day five points adrift of Motherwell, who sit in fourth place - with its guaranteed crack at Europe - while holding a game in hand. Victory tomorrow is essential for Gray’s men, then. Here’s how we think Hibs will line up on Tayside:
1. GK Raphael Sallinger
The Austrian goalkeeper has been uber reliable during his time at Hibs. Will be crucial if they're to achieve their goals by securing another crack at European football next season. | SNS Group
2. RCB Warren O'Hora
The big Irishman has strolled back into the team after recovering from injury. A guaranteed starter on the right of the back three, where he can get on the ball and build attacks, as well as closing off opposition threats. | SNS Group
3. CB Rocky Bushiri
The DRC defender and Easter Road cult hero adds quality to the heart of the defence, especially with Scotland World Cup hero Grant Hanley still out injured. Hard to see him being shifted from the starting XI, on current form. | SNS Group
4. LCB Jack Iredale
Aussie defender continues to get the job done on the left side of that back three. A real attacking threat, too, even in the biggest games. | SNS Group