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:

5. RWB Felix Passlack
Follow that, eh? Scored a beauty against Celtic last weekend. Former Borussia Dortmund prospect brings Bundesliga experience and maturity to key position. | SNS Group

6. CM Miguel Chaiwa
Absolutely loving life at the moment. Man of the Match against Celtic. Will hope to run riot through the centre of Dundee's midfield this weekend. That's the plan, anyway. | SNS Group

7. CM Dan Barlaser
Central midfield is an intense area of competition, with Kai Andrews' winner at Celtic pushing him into contention for a start. But Barlaser has played, when fit, under Gray. | SNS Group

8. LWB Nicky Cadden
Great to have him back, right? Especially as he's struck up such a superb relationship with Passlack, as this picture shows. | SNS Group

