Hibs travel to Kilmarnock in the hope of ending a run of poor form by securing their place in the quarter finals of the CIS Insurance Cup.
Kilmarnock will be no pushovers however and will look to take the game to their opponents while manager Mixu Paatelainen is sure to be delighted should he mastermind a Cup victory over his former club.
It will be the first occasion Paatelainen has faced the Hibees since ‘mutually agreeing’ to terminate his contract at Easter Road 18 months ago.
Under fire Hibs boss John Hughes is sure to hope his stars, winners of only 4 games in 25, can begin to pick up some form at a stadium where Hibs traditionally struggle.
Vital Quotes:
Kilmarnock Team News:
Kilmarnock continue to have injury doubts over close season signings Mahamadou Sissoko and David Silva but are hopeful of a recovery after they missed Sunday’s narrow defeat to Celtic.
Player to watch: Craig Bryson
Pre season signing target for Hearts, Bryson is Killie’s main man in the centre of the park.
If Bryson wins the battle in midfield the Hibees could struggle.
Hibs Team News:
Hibs have injury doubts over Derek Riordan and David Wotherspoon after the weekend clash against Hamilton saw the latter limp off midway through the first half.
Graham Stack is still unfit to challenge for the number 1 jersey whilst Merouanne Zemmama and Darryl Duffy are still a considerable time away from being fit.
Player to watch: Mark Brown
Hibs keeper has been dependable enough so far this season and is sure to look forward to a return to a club where he enjoyed a successfull loan spell last season.
If he keeps a clean sheet – Hibs should be through.
Match Facts & Stats
Hibs last loss at Rugby Park was on the opening day of the 2008/9 season.
Since then there have only been two further fixtures in Ayrshire – both ending in draws.
Match Prediction:
Sadly I can’t see anything bar a Killie victory so 2-0 to the home side.
Next Fixtures:
Hibs face an easy task by teavelling to Parkhead for a clash against Celtic.
