All in. There’s really no other way to go at Fir Park tomorrow, if Hibs are to maintain their ambitions of catching and overtaking Motherwell in the race to finish fourth in the Scottish Premiership.
That’s a prize that matters a great deal this season, given the way the top of the table is shaking up. Finishing fifth would leave the matter of European qualification up in the air; only Celtic lifting the Scottish Cup would deliver that windfall to whoever finishes just outside the top four.
Currently six points behind Jens Berthel Askou’s men, but with vastly inferior goal difference effectively stretching that gap closer to seven, Hibs almost certainly need to win tomorrow AND - wherever the game gets played - beat the Fir Park side after the split just to give themselves a chance. Even if Motherwell’s run-in to said split is a lot tougher, on paper, than the couple of confirmed fixtures remaining on Hibernian’s dance card before the top six break away.
All that said, then, who would YOU trust to get the job done tomorrow? For all of their struggles last weekend, Hibs did completely dominate Livingston. If they’ve spent the week sharpening up finishing, there may be no need for dramatic changes,
Neither starting striker impressed against Livi, with Ante Suto not quite capitalising on his first start after three goals from five substitute appearances, and 20-year-old Owen Elding looking a little stymied by the visitors’ massed ranks of defenders. But the front pairing were always going to carry the can for their team not scoring.
Suto has just been called up to the Australia squad for the first time, with Socceroos boss Tony Popovic clearly eager to see the Croatian-born forward in action before he finalises his group heading to the World Cup. If the Deadline Day signing isn’t boosted by that news, something will be well wrong.
Barring a major change of formation, Gray is likely to make just a tweak or two, no more, ahead of a brilliant opportunity cunningly disguised as a major challenge. Here’s how we think Hibs will line up for a must-win game:
9. CAM Jamie McGrath
Mr Versatile still looks at his most productive in an attacking midfield role. But could shift about, should Hibs tinker with their shape. | SNS Group
10. CF Owen Elding
Struggled a bit against Livingston. But the 20-year-old carries an obvious goal threat. Gray isn't short of options up top, though ... | SNS Group
11. CF Ante Suto
There are options up top, among them Martin Boyle, Dane Scarlett and Elie Youan. But super sub Suto, who has just received his first Australia call-up, is probably worth another crack after making a first start last weekend. | SNS Group