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:

9. CAM Jamie McGrath
Hibs can tweak and tinker with the top end of their formation. But McGrath plays. That's a golden rule. | SNS Group

10. CF Owen Elding
The battle for a start up front is intense. Ante Suto, Dane Scarlett, Martin Boyle, Elie Youan ... but Elding is in possession of the No. 9 spot, and deservedly so. | SNS Group

11. CF Martin Boyle
Made a significant contribution to weekend win over Celtic. Likely to get nod in strong field of forward options. | SNS Group

