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If the current slide is not arrested right now, Hibs will be playing in the first play-off game, after scares from Morton and QOTS in the last two games of the season. In two half-hour spells in the last two games, Hibs have lost 6 goals without reply. It doesn't really matter what's to blame for these terrible results - too many wholesale changes at once, Mark Oxley or Anthony Stokes - as long as we learn more from them than our next opponents do.
I'm certain that there will be more changes for Tuesday's game and hopefully one that will not change - Stokes' name will not be on the team sheet. I'd have Virtaanen in instead of Oxley and Boyle in instead of Carmichael, leaving Bartley in the side.
QOTS will be dangerous as they are involved in a scrap with Raith Rovers, Morton, St Mirren and Dumbarton for the remaining play-off place and will be desperate not to lose out in their rivals' results against Hibs. Be warned!!! We need to rediscover the form that saw us put 3 goals past them in the previous encounter at Palmerston Park.
GGTTH
Cabbage is still good for you
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29-02-2016, 01:53
(This post was last modified: 29-02-2016, 14:27 by 0762.)
The games are coming thick n fast now and there's no respite for a Hibs team under massive pressure. We'll see what team has the desire to go out and win this game and most Hibs fans will be wondering if this current team has lost it's way for various reasons. The best reaction is a positive one but disappointingly they are not doing it! They travel to Dumfries in trepidation and our form tells us we will dominate this match but will we be picked off again or will certain key players start doing their jobs properly and overcome that mental fragility that seems to have overcome them. No Hanlon - so Stubbs must decide on fielding Fontaine or Gunnarson to play alongside Darren Mac. Like ritchiebaby, I'd also like to see Virtanen in goal and be done with this change before the first of the crucial cup matches takes place. I hope Gray can play in this match. Re the strikers - take your pick of any misfiring striker, currently no genuine pen box striker is one of our main failings. Farid won't last a full match. So it's Jason and AN Other or just omit Jason altogether. Midfield? No McGeouch, no Fyvie. So Bartley, Hendo, McGinn and a lightweight Carmichael will likely be 'given the nod'. They lose Harris due to ineligibility. All I can say is, 'Good luck Hibs'. We need a win to 'balance the ship' and, on paper, that doesn't look likely. It's time to pray for a revival!
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The latest news re Paul Hanlon's injury is a bit more encouraging - Hibs trying to get him fit for the League Cup final but it's 'touch and go'. I'd argue that Hibs prepare him for the play off matches and ensure he is fully refreshed and match fit - league status far more important although I'm sure no player wants to miss a cup final.
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Stokes wearing a hat tonight ??
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Going to be a tough game tonight and one that you really need to win to keep any auto promotion hopes alive. At the very least Stubbs should now be setting you up with a settled side in preparation for the playoffs, he has to know his best 11 before they start!