Hibs head along the M8 to face a resurgent Rangers in Saturday’s Scottish Premiership match of the day.
The Hibees will be hoping for a repeat of their last outing at the sectarian cesspit when they won 3-2 thanks to goals from Simon Murray and Vykintas Slivka either side of a James Tavernier OG.
The frequent meetings between the 2 teams over the past few years has led to an intense rivalry both on the field and off it with the majority of the simple Ibrox faithful using the match as an opportunity for an impromptu sash bash.
We expect to hear no different from their lot tomorrow given their sectarian karaoke in Dingwall last weekend and the pitch invasion which followed Jason Cummings first goal for his new club.
Please note there was no Police Scotland investigation into the mischevious behaviour of the poor wee lambs from Govan. Allegedly they were protecting Cummings from grass burns.
The last meeting of the pair saw the side residing at Ibrox somehow steal a victory at Easter Road despite Hibs positively annihilating them for 85 minutes.
Hibs were denied a stonewall penalty on that occasion: One wouldn’t be surprised to see something similar tomorrow.
Vital Quotes:
Neil Lennon: “I`ll be focused on the game, it will be a difficult game and Rangers have strengthened significantly.
“They got a good win over Aberdeen and followed that up at the weekend.
“No matter what time of season you go to Ibrox it`s always a tough game but we are in good form and are really pleased.
“If there is abuse or humour, you just go with the flow and act accordingly.”
The Rangers Team News:
Following the imaginary multi million pound bid for striker Alfredo Morales it’ll be interesting to see if the Colombian striker is back in the starting line up for this game.
It would shock absolutely no-one if Graeme Murty instead opted to play Jason Cummings in the sole striker’s role with the former Hibs man likely to be desperate to put one over his old team mates.
Player to watch: Jason Holt
The former Jambo has been a surprising mainstay for the Rangers under Murty and a lot of the good things they do go through the midfielder.
Hibernian Team News:
Hibs have boyhood ‘Ger Scott Allan available for selection after he returned to Easter Road on Deadline Day and could be a contender to oust either Slivka or Barker from the starting line up.
Darren McGregor is a fitness doubt after limping off against Motherwell in midweek.
David Gray, Steven Whittaker and Ross Laidlaw continue to miss out through injury.
Cammy Bell will likely take a seat on the bench.
Player to watch: John McGinn
McGinn loves the higher profile games and was outstanding in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season.
If he and McGeouch click in the middle of the park they can dominate their opposite numbers.
Match Facts & Stats
Hibs have scored at least twice on their last two visits to Ibrox.
Match Prediction:
Tough game to predict as it’s sure to be an explosive encounter.
Almost guaranteed to be goals involved and with two defences prone to lapses in concentration it promises much.
2-2
Next Fixtures:
Hibs face Aberdeen at Easter Road on 17/2/18 in a Premiership encounter.
Next weekend sees the Scottish Cup fifth round so a free weekend for Neil Lennon and his team.
