Edinburgh Derby in focus: Predicted Hibs XI as league leaders Hearts visit Easter Road for crucial clash

With three players away on international duty, Hibs are obviously working with what you might call an operational deficit heading into tomorrow’s second Edinburgh Derby of the season. Looking to become the first Easter Road side to bag back-to-back home wins in this fixture since season 2017-18, however, David Gray has still got plenty of ammunition to hand.

So does he stick with the tried and tested? Go with experience in a game where debutants always run the risk of having the air sucked from their lungs - leading to a dangerous level of muddle-headedness - as the opening salvos are exchanged?

The truth is that, quibbles about results aside, Gray isn’t particularly upset by how his team have played - most of the time - this season. OK, excluding the bizarre lack of bite shown at Ibrox just under a fortnight ago. And, yes, one or two defining moments in October’s loss at Tynecastle.

While there is always the chance of the Hibs boss pulling the odd fast one, or a late injury/illness upsetting the best-laid plans of his entire coaching staff, it’s hard to see him going too far away from what his team know. A familiar shape. With reliable men asked to perform tasks they understand inside out.

You would expect Warren O’Hora, who missed last weekend through illness, to return. And Chris Cadden, who missed the Dundee United draw for family reasons, is surely guaranteed to be back in the line-up.

True, young Zach Mitchell looked really strong in central defence against Dundee United last weekend. And, if Thibault Klidje was match sharp, you’d understand him forcing his way into the starting XI, perhaps at the expense of a leggy Kieron Bowie. But that would be a huge call, in a game like this.

Is Dan Barlaser vulnerable, now that Joe Newell is back? Midfield is certainly the area where Gray has the most leeway, given the flexibility of players like Josh Mulligan, Jamie McGrath and Josh Campbell, with the last of those impressing as a substitute at Tannadice.

With all that taken into account, here’s how we think Hibs will line up for a game laden with potential: