[0762]

This home match is a case of 'same again Hibs' and I expect the guys to carry out a competent 'job' to win this game and pick up another 3 pts thereby consolidating our position at the top of the Championship. Our previous home fixture v Ayr United saw a referee play a major part in influencing a shock defeat for Hibs with a dreadful all round refereeing performance. I'll be very surprised if 'lightning strikes twice' in that regard!
Lenny's line up? Well there will be no Rocky, Hanlon or Commons in the team but we still have a good pick of players who will put in a decent display to win this game.
I expect this starting line up:-

Laidlaw
Gray McGregor Fonts Stevo
McGinn/Humphrey Fyvie McGeouch
Shinnie
Cummings Holt/Keatings

IMO a 'settled team' is the 'order of the day' and that will 'pay dividends' in the weeks ahead. Also 'fingers crossed' we don't incur any serious injuries. C'mon and push on Hibs!

GGTTH

[hibeejim21]

No more injuries please.

[ritchiebaby]

We have a great chance over the next month to keep the 8 point gap over Dundee United. I totally agree with playing a settled formation, remembering that the League is our priority. Every advantage gained now piles the pressure on United (and Morton - don't forget Morton).

GGTTH

[0762]

Yep! I recently listened to a bbc interview with the DU manager, McKinnon, and he firmly believed that his team could catch up with Hibs but his reasoning for that 'belief' was not impressive at all and I base that perception on observing various DU displays that were OK but provided nothing for Hibs to fear but we still need to earn the Championship title and cut out any complacency, particularly when it comes to converting excellent scoring opps!

[hibeejim21]

Lennon doesn't seem to go for a settled line up as such though,he seems to change it according to the playing surface/side that we are up against. Clearly he thought last week wasn't the game for wingers even though they had done well previous 2 games and he was right.

I think utd might be about to ship more points in this next sequence of games (prob not v raith though) which means if we can keep the wins coming in February we will have one hand on the championship. Either way a big test of utds mental strength is about to come up.

[HerefordBull]

Looking forward to seeing if we can pick up 3 more points and keep the pressure on Dundee United. Hopefully they may slip up again and we can extend our lead.

Expect the crowd to be down a little as "it is only Ayr..." ! and with the rugby on at Murrayfield.

A good win with a positive display, hopefully scoring a few goals will boost confidence for the Derby the following weekend.

'mon Hibs

GGTTH

[0762]

Well it's a great day, weather wise, for a game of footie and I'm looking forward to Hibs playing an expansive game in front of a decent Hibs crowd at ER this afternoon. I'll predict a 3-0 or 4-0 score line and that'll set us up nicely for the weeks ahead!

[St Charles Owl]

Not quite the start you had hoped for, but plenty of time to come back.

[HerefordBull]

Pick two wide men ( lose that term loosely for Humphrey....not convinced   ) and then put the 3 recognized centre forwards in Graham, Holt and Cummings on the bench? Team selection with half a thought towards next week? As I have said a game we can do without  

Ayr pressed us high up the pitch with some success......hope we are getting used to that as there will be plenty more to come next week....and with a bit more quality.

I won't mention the goalkeeper............

[0762]

Absolutely! Do not mention the goalie - what a wake up call! However, I think we sussed what was going on as soon as Hibs team and subs were announced!! Lenny definitely resting and missing out certain players who will most certainly be playing in the next match. Even so, too many missed goal opps again with Boyle 'at the front of the queue' and I wish Holt would bang in any goal just to score a ######g goal for a change. One big 'plus' - Jason on the score sheet again and primed for the cup tie at Tynecastle! Also we didn't lose and will still be effectively 7 pts ahead (taking into account Hibs superior GD) of United if they beat Raith tonight at Tannadice. I'm not enamoured with Lenny's pre match motives and starting line up but many Hibs fans would deem them 'understandable'! You've said it before newhavenhibby and this upcoming cup tie is indeed a 'distraction'!