Hibs make the long trip up the A9 for the penultimate match of their Scottish Premiership campaign to face Ross County in a clash either side can ill afford to lose.
With virtually nothing separating four clubs in the bottom six both sides know a prized victory will all but ensure their top flight status for next season.
Whilst the Hibees recent form has been dismal with only one victory in their last 17 games they can be as confident of securing the points with the Dingwall club the last outfit the Easter Road side defeated.
Added into the mix is the fact Hibs have already registered 2 victories in the Highlands over Derek Adams men so far this season with both wins coming under Terry Butcher.
As Hibs number 2 during the ill fated reign of Colin Calderwood, Adams will be desperate to make amends for those defeats with his apparent dislike for the club shown in comments made to the media following recent clashes between the sides.
Vital Quotes:
Terry Butcher : ‘We all know what will happen if we win the game and that is a huge carrot for us to chase.
‘We have won two games out of two up there this season but it would be nice to make it three out of three.
‘Ross County are fighting for their lives too though and are better at home than away.
‘I’ve used the cup final analogy to motivate the players before and it hasn’t really worked. But we know the importance of the match and what we have to do.
‘We have produced some good football but if it wasn’t for bad luck we would have no luck in front of goal.
‘We can’t buy an own goal, a ricochet or anything else that puts the ball in the back of the net.’
Derek Adams : “They have picked up recently and got a good result on Saturday but at this stage in the season we have just got to take care of ourselves and look at what we have got to do, how we are going to perform and let other people worry about us.
“They have made a few changes over a number of games so it will be quite hard to know how Hibs are going to play. But I have got a team I know are more than capable of winning the game.”
‘But I’m sure it will come because if we keep putting pressure on opponents like we have done in our last two games something is going to happen.’
Ross County Team News:
Ross County were without Michael Tidser at the weekend but the former Morton man could return whilst Richard Brittain is likely to shrug off a knock which saw him subbed against St Mirren at the weekend.
Player to watch: Filip Kiss
The on loan Cardiff man has a knack of scoring important goals for the Dingwall side and will need to be watched carefully.
Hibernian Team News:
Definitely out for Hibs are injured duo Paul Hanlon and Paul Heffernan whilst centre back Michael Nelston is suspended after his dismissal against Partick on Saturday.
Kevin Thomson is also a doubt after limping out the Thistle clash just minutes into the second half.
Jordan Forster is available for selection following his suspension whilst former skipper James McPake is also looking to make his first start in six months.
Player to watch: Liam Craig
The Hibs captain showed glimpses on Saturday that he may well be making a welcome return to form.
Match Facts & Stats
Hibs had failed to record a victory over the Highland outfit in any competition since their acceptance into the Scottish League until this season.
Match Prediction:
Literally nothing separates the two sides and it could be the same again.
A nervy 0-0 draw is on the cards with both teams scared to concede.
Next Fixtures:
Hibs face Kilmarnock this Saturday at Easter Road – kick off at 12:15
