Hibs welcome Falkirk to Easter Road seeking to make it two wins out of two in front of their home supporters this season.
The Hibees faithful will be looking for an improved performance after tasting defeat to local rivals Hearts last weekend but will be happy enough come quarter to five so long as their side have bagged all three points.
Hibs will be wary against a Falkirk side managed by the experienced Peter Houston who are expected to compete for a play off spot in a division consisting of the two Edinburgh clubs and fallen Glasgow behemoth Rangers.
Prior to last Sunday’s defeat to Hearts, Hibs had opened their league campaign with a 2-1 victory over Livingston and produced a fine first half display before faltering a little in the second half.
Easter Road has been a far too generous hunting ground for visiting teams in the recent past but now under the guidance of Alan Stubbs, the home side are aiming to turn it back into the fortress of yesteryear and winning matches against the likes of Falkirk could prove pivotal come the end of the season.
Vital Quotes:
Alan Stubbs: “I think they (Falkirk) will be up there.
“Their performance against Rangers means they will have been disappointed not to get anything out of the game.
“Their performance on Tuesday was probably not up to the same standard but they`ve come through the cup which will be important to them.
“We know we are going to be in for a really tough game but we are at home and we`ll be looking to take the game to Falkirk and get three points.”
Hibernian Team News:
Hibs are likely to be without the influential Paul Hanlon as the centre half battles to overcome a knee injury with Michael Nelson, drafted in for his first start under Stubbs last weekend, again likely to deputise.
Scott Robertson is also sidelined through suspension following his dismissal against Hearts whilst Lewis Stevenson, recipient of a retrospective red card during the same fixture, also misses out.
Scott Allan will likely make his full debut in Robertson’s absence whilst Callum Booth, once a most promising talent, should replace Stevenson at left back.
Player to watch: Farid El Alagui
The striker has started the season in fine form and has netted two in the opening two league fixtures.
As a former Falkirk player he’s promised not to over celebrate any goal during Saturday’s fixture but the French-Moroccan will want to keep up his fine start at Easter Road.
Falkirk Team News:
Botti Bia Bi is suspended following his dismissal in midweek during the Bairns 2-1 victory over Dunfermline.
Former Hibee Tom Taiwo will line up in midfield after signing for Falkirk after being released by the Easter Road side in the summer.
Player to watch: Jamie McDonald
The former Jambo’s keeper will be desperate to put on a decent performance against his former city rivals in a match which sees him face the Hibees for the first time since leaving Hearts.
Hibs fans still have memories of his man of the match performance for the Tynecastle club at Easter Road last season which saw Hearts register a 1-0 victory in the League Cup – a match which saw Pat Fenlon resign his post as Hibernian manager.
Match Facts & Stats
Hibs are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings between the sides, registering 7 wins and 4 draws.
The last clash took place at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup semi final back in 2012/13 which saw Falkirk romp into a 3-0 half time lead before Hibs staged an incredible comeback to seal an extra time victory 4-3.
Leigh Griffiths was the hero on the day netting a double with Alex Harris and Eoin Doyle joining him on the scoresheet.
Ref Watch:
Crawford Allan is the man in the middle for this match – the first time he’s refereed a Hibs match since November 2013 when Motherwell inflicted a 1-0 defeat on the Leith side at Fir Park.
Match Prediction:
Hibs to edge it 2-1.
Next Fixtures:
A League Cup encounter on Tuesday against Dumbarton awaits Alan Stubbs men before they face Alloa next weekend.
