Hibs have it all to do today if we’re to overcome our two-nil first leg defeat at Ibrox against Rangers to keep our quest for an instant Premiership return on track with a Motherwell play-off to follow.
If we’ve accepted defeat before this tie at Easter Road this lunchtime then why even bother? It’ll take some effort but we’ve got to believe we can do it.
Rangers don’t have any reported injury concerns but will again be without the injured duo of Seb Faure (knee) and Gael Bigirimana (infection) but all others came through the first leg without reaction.
We also have no reported ‘fresh injury concerns’ as well so Alan Stubbs will select from an unchanged squad that was beat two-nil at Ibrox in the first leg on Wednesday. In fact it could well be the same XI.
Stubbs is remaining optimistic though as he knows two-nil can be a ‘vulnerable scoreline’ with a goal changing the complex of the tie.
‘We know we have to try and get back in the game. We know we have to score at least two goals.
‘But sometimes that can make it a lot easier as we know exactly what we have to do. I’d obviously prefer to be in Stuart’s shoes and have a two-goal lead but I’ve been in football long enough to know that 2-0 can be quite a vulnerable scoreline.
‘It’s the worst scoreline in football because if you lose one goal the opposition are back in the game. Then suddenly the doubt starts to creep in.’
He’s got belief that we can turn this around, even more so if Rangers are hesitant on their approach.
‘So you have to decide whether to defend your lead or try to get another goal.
‘It’s got the makings of a really exciting game but I honestly feel we can win the game. I believe in my players and I know they have a big performance in them.’
Of course, with a two-nil first leg lead, Rangers are presently the favourites to advance to the play-off final against Motherwell but if we can exploit their defensive weakness with an early goal we’re right back in it!
Can we achieve a fightback though?
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