Despite the focus on the internationals in the last couple of weeks, Hibs have managed to grab their share of the headlines. Gary O’Connor survived the disciplinary appeals process and escaped a two match ban that would have caused him to miss Saturday’s game. There is no doubt that he will provide the main threat for the home side as his goal scoring record attests. Seven of their eleven league goals have come from the number nine and Motherwell fans will not need reminding of his two goal contribution to our exit from the League Cup.
Stuart McCall and his gang will be keen to take three points for Easter Road in part pay back for the League Cup loss. No doubt the pre-match interviews will dismiss such thinking but that defeat is one of very few blemishes in the season to date.
Assuming the club can resist the reported wish of the SFA that Jennings takes no part until the betting investigation is concluded, we’ll see a familiar eleven line up at kick off. That consistency of selection – as much because of the small squad as for tactical reasons – has delivered a fine away record. Three wins, a draw and only one loss on the road suggests that the team are hardly influenced by trips away from Fir Park and the fine victory at Tannadice a fortnight ago reinforces that view.
The locals in Leith are hoping that recent form might suggest that Hibs are improving but they should be no match for Motherwell if we can field our strongest eleven. It should be a happy homeward journey following a 2-1 win.
Remember our last trip to Leith?