Hibs and the Scottish Cup? We all know it generally ends in failure. Last season’s disastrous capitulation in the final saw many supporters lose belief the now 111 year old hoodoo could ever be broken.
However, here we are just a year later and Pat Fenlon has once again guided his men to the brink of becoming THAT side which would immediately turn the players and coaching staff into Easter Road immortals.
Many pundits agree the game will be a one sided affair when the Hibees face SPL champions Celtic this Sunday and undoubtedly the Hoops are massive favourites for the tie.
Neil Lennon has a quality squad at his disposal. Players such as Samaras, Hooper, Brown and Foster are all capable of producing match winning performances as was shown during their fine Champions League displays against Europe’s elite this season.
So, should Hibs be running scared of their illustrious opponents? Respectful, yes. Scared – no.
In the 3 league encounters this season its ended all square with a win each and a draw.
For the first in living memory the Leith side head into the cup final with a decent run of form behind them, finishing the season with an unbeaten run of 6 matches which included a derby victory over Hearts at Tynecastle, duly recording their first victory in Gorgie for some 4 years.
Leigh Griffiths emergence as a genuine top class striker this season let’s the bookies believe Hibs certainly have a puncher’s chance of landing a knockout blow come Sunday but it would be harsh to suggest Hibernian are reliant on the Scotland international alone.
An underrated midfield containing Kevin Thomson, Jorge Claros, undervalued Tom Taiwo alongside promising winger Alex Harris is possibly Hibs greatest strength although manager Pat Fenlon may opt for a 5 man midfield this weekend.
If Hibs can win the battles they can certainly win the war meaning the back four simply can’t afford to have an off day such as we witnessed during the first period of the semi final which saw Falkirk three up at half time.
Fenlon has important decisions to make over the fitness of captain James McPake and full back Tim Clancy.
Young Jordan Forster has impressed while deputising for McPake while Alan Maybury has been solid if unspectacular during Clancy’s absence.
This is the tenth final appearance Hibs have made since 1902. Can this current crop of players succed where the Famous Five and Turnbull’s Tornadoes couldn’t?
Absolutely.
You can follow Vital Hibs on Twitter – @HibsVital
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