Hibs take on Arbroath in their latest League Cup group stage match. They need to beat Dick Campbell’s men at Easter Road to go top of Group C.
That’ll be no easy task though. Campbell’s side have been in impressive form in recent weeks. They’ve already beaten the Hibees , city rivals Hearts and a Celtic XI in warmup matches.
They’ve also started brightly in Group C. Arbroath have thrashed Stirling Albion 6-1, the same League Two side Hibs only managed to draw with.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side will need to pick up their form if they want to beat the Litchies. Here’s who we think will start for the Hibees against the Gayfield side.
The starting XI
As Heckingbottom looks to get minutes into each player, Chris Maxwell will likely start in goals as Ofir Marciano started against Alloa.
Full-back injuries mean that Steven Whittaker and Tom James will keep their right and left-back roles respectively.
A centre half paring will consist of Darren McGregor and Adam Jackson. Paul Hanlon will drop out of the side to give him a rest, having played the previous two League Cup matches.
On the right wing will be Martin Boyle and on the left will be Daryl Horgan. A midfield two of Fraser Murray and Scott Allan will start the match, to give them valuable minutes and to rest the likes of Josh Campbell and Stephen Mallan.
It’ll be two up top to start with. Christian Doidge seems to be Heckingbottom’s go to man just now so he’ll likely keep his place in the Hibs starting XI. Heckingbottom may give Oli Shaw a chance to prove his worth alongside the Welshman.
Overall it’s four changes from the side that beat Alloa. It’ll be a 4-4-2 to start with, but don’t be surprised to see Hibs switch to one up top at some stage.
Here’s our full predicted Hibs starting XI in list form.