Team v Dundee United

[Unseen work]

What’s everyone’s thoughts?

Massive game in the semi final of the Scottish cup and a huge opportunity for us.

As a whole this team has done brilliantly all season and been very consistent, the odd lapse in concentration effects and costs us at times though.

Gogic suspended and I’ve not heard any update that Cadden, Murphy or Mackie are fit again. I really hope Nisbet was a precautionary measure last week and he’s fit again.

Macey has started all cup games, will Ross continue with this? Given he signed a new contract today I think he will.

............................Macey..............

..........McGinn....Porteous.....Hanlon....

Boyle.........Hallberg........Newell........Doig.. ..

............................Irvine..........

...................Doidge.......Nisbet.......

Hallberg rarely lets us down imo, whilst not always being brilliant he’s reliable. He uses the ball well, is comfortable in possession and can play a quick pass which I think will be essential against a United team that will try press us all over the park. He’s also able to get forward and is decent enough defensively.

It was him or Magennis but to me he’s still quite a bit off it. I suffered the same injury and I get it, he still looks lacking fitness, sharpness and most importantly confidence in himself and his knee. There’s been times he’s miscontrolled simple passes which I think (hope) he would normally control without thinking about it.

[wookie70]

What’s everyone’s thoughts?

Massive game in the semi final of the Scottish cup and a huge opportunity for us.

As a whole this team has done brilliantly all season and been very consistent, the odd lapse in concentration effects and costs us at times though.

Gogic suspended and I’ve not heard any update that Cadden, Murphy or Mackie are fit again. I really hope Nisbet was a precautionary measure last week and he’s fit again.

Macey has started all cup games, will Ross continue with this? Given he signed a new contract today I think he will.

............................Macey..............

..........McGinn....Porteous.....Hanlon....

Boyle.........Hallberg........Newell........Doig.. ..

............................Irvine..........

...................Doidge.......Nisbet.......

Hallberg rarely lets us down imo, whilst not always being brilliant he’s reliable. He uses the ball well, is comfortable in possession and can play a quick pass which I think will be essential against a United team that will try press us all over the park. He’s also able to get forward and is decent enough defensively.

It was him or Magennis but to me he’s still quite a bit off it. I suffered the same injury and I get it, he still looks lacking fitness, sharpness and most importantly confidence in himself and his knee. There’s been times he’s miscontrolled simple passes which I think (hope) he would normally control without thinking about it.

I'd have Magennis instead of Irvine but that is what I would go with. Irvine has been poor for weeks and it would be good if Magennis could have a few good memories about his first year with us. Macey would play all the games till the end of the year for me just so we can judge better if we need to sign another goalie

[SJNB Hibby]

What’s everyone’s thoughts?

Massive game in the semi final of the Scottish cup and a huge opportunity for us.

As a whole this team has done brilliantly all season and been very consistent, the odd lapse in concentration effects and costs us at times though.

Gogic suspended and I’ve not heard any update that Cadden, Murphy or Mackie are fit again. I really hope Nisbet was a precautionary measure last week and he’s fit again.

Macey has started all cup games, will Ross continue with this? Given he signed a new contract today I think he will.

............................Macey..............

..........McGinn....Porteous.....Hanlon....

Boyle.........Hallberg........Newell........Doig.. ..

............................Irvine..........

...................Doidge.......Nisbet.......

Hallberg rarely lets us down imo, whilst not always being brilliant he’s reliable. He uses the ball well, is comfortable in possession and can play a quick pass which I think will be essential against a United team that will try press us all over the park. He’s also able to get forward and is decent enough defensively.

It was him or Magennis but to me he’s still quite a bit off it. I suffered the same injury and I get it, he still looks lacking fitness, sharpness and most importantly confidence in himself and his knee. There’s been times he’s miscontrolled simple passes which I think (hope) he would normally control without thinking about it.

Doubt Cadden will recover from a back issue on a week, think he's out for the season
Really in 2 minds over the goalies
I do think Rocky is better though, so let him win us the cup and have Macey enjoy the fruits of those labours next year in Europe

[Since452]

Macey keeps his place for me. Cup runs can become very superstitious and Macey might be our good luck charm.

[B.H.F.C]

Doubt Cadden will recover from a back issue on a week, think he's out for the season
Really in 2 minds over the goalies
I do think Rocky is better though, so let him win us the cup and have Macey enjoy the fruits of those labours next year in Europe

Cadden out for the season, hairline fracture in his back.

Marciano should play for me.

[jeffers]

I expect the team to be the one SJNB listed. I heard Murphy will be available but wouldn’t expect him to be a starter after so long out.

[BS44]

Is Nisbet definitely fit and ready to play on Saturday

[Stuart93]

Is Nisbet definitely fit and ready to play on Saturday

Aye this was what I was thinking, hopefully because we look a lot less creative without him in the team

[Billy Whizz]

Who’s the young lad training behind Doidge, on the Hibs Twitter photo, doesn’t look like Bradley

[calumhibee1]

Macey (only because it seems he’s our cup goalie)

McGinn
McGregor (although it’ll be Porteous)
Hanlon

Boyle
Irvine
Newell
Hallberg
Doig

Doidge
Nisbet

[JammyDoidger]

Rocky

Mcginn
Mcgregor
Hanlon
Doig

Irvine
Hallberg
Newell

Boyle
Doidge
Nisbet

[one day maybe...]

Rocky

Mcginn
Mcgregor
Hanlon
Doig

Irvine
Hallberg
Newell

Boyle
Doidge
Nisbet

This for me:flag: But Porteous for McGregor

[Tambo]

Rocky

Porto
McGregor
Hanlon

McGinn
Irvine
Newell
Doig

Nisbet

Doidge
Boyle

This is what I would go for. I think McGinn could play that role going forward and good defensively.

Would say Irvine gives you more battle than Halllberg in the middle.

Nisbet has performed in the number 10 role before and has some creatively and would be a threat on goal.

Can always change it to a 4-4-2 at times aswell.

[Big_Franck]

Marciano has to start. To choose to start with the second choice keeper in a Scottish Cup semi final in a normal year would be madness. To do it with so much riding on this year's competition would be a sackable offence.

[Northernhibee]

Marciano has to start. To choose to start with the second choice keeper in a Scottish Cup semi final in a normal year would be madness. To do it with so much riding on this year's competition would be a sackable offence.


What? Don't be ridiculous.

[B.H.F.C]

Marciano has to start. To choose to start with the second choice keeper in a Scottish Cup semi final in a normal year would be madness. To do it with so much riding on this year's competition would be a sackable offence.

Probably wouldn’t be sackable if we were to win. But know where you’re coming from.

[Brightside]

Marciano has to start. To choose to start with the second choice keeper in a Scottish Cup semi final in a normal year would be madness. To do it with so much riding on this year's competition would be a sackable offence.

The last line is daft. Macey has done more than enough to keep his place. He got us there.

[Allez Hibs]

Macey keeps his place for me. Cup runs can become very superstitious and Macey might be our good luck charm.

Kind of agree with this. Macey to start for me.

[Andy74]

The last line is daft. Macey has done more than enough to keep his place. He got us there.

More than enough?

Got us there?

Think this might be overplaying it by quite a margin.

[ahibby]

I'd have Magennis instead of Irvine but that is what I would go with. Irvine has been poor for weeks and it would be good if Magennis could have a few good memories about his first year with us. Macey would play all the games till the end of the year for me just so we can judge better if we need to sign another goalie

Irvine has been poor but Magennis not up to speed for a start imo.

[Hibee Mac]

Something tells me Ross is going to do something a little different than most are expecting and play a flat 442.

Missing Gogic is more than just losing some steel in midfield, he's crucial to the way we play the 352, any CB can push on (particularly McGinn) and Gogic slots in seamlessly. He's really good at it and I think Ross will be wary that without him we may lose the attacking variation of having CBs pushing on a bit.

With that in mind I can see Ross deciding to play 442 instead of trying to force Hallberg or Magennis into a 352, which in all honesty might not be a terrible idea.

-----------------------Macey (I'd prefer Marciano)

McGinn------Porteous------Hanlon------Doig

Boyle----------Irvine----------Newell------Wright

------------------Nisbet-------Doidge---------------


Wouldn't be my first choice but something tells me that's Ross's team without Gogic. Worth noting that team could be shuffled slightly with Wright moving inside to make a 352 if need be during the game which Ross also likes to do.

[Bayern Bru]

Who’s the young lad training behind Doidge, on the Hibs Twitter photo, doesn’t look like Bradley

Ethan Laidlaw


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[GoalsMcGinley]

Rocky has to play for me. Scottish cup semi final in a year were it guarantees euro football til Xmas you MUST pick the strongest possible team available.


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[Northernhibee]

Macey

McGinn
Porteous
Hanlon

Boyle
Doig

Hallberg
Newell
Irvine

Nisbet
Doidge

[Billy Whizz]

Ethan Laidlaw


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Ta
He’ll probably be on the bench tomorrow

[BS44]

Aye this was what I was thinking, hopefully because we look a lot less creative without him in the team

Yep, think he looks a better player since he got back in after getting dropped for a few games a couple of months ago.

He turned his ankle against Motherwell the other week, I'd be disappointed but not surprised if he isn't playing

[Dalianwanda]

More than enough?

Got us there?

Think this might be overplaying it by quite a margin.

He’s done enough and is part of the team who has got us this far.

[Brightside]

Yep, think he looks a better player since he got back in after getting dropped for a few games a couple of months ago.

He turned his ankle against Motherwell the other week, I'd be disappointed but not surprised if he isn't playing

He was back in training.

[andrew70]

Macey
McGinn Porteous Hanlon
Boyle Magennis Irvine Newell Doig
Doidge Nisbet

Magennis in instead of Melker. I like Hallberg but feel Magennis can offer more athleticism over the pitch, which we'll need up against United's midfield three. Do worry for us without Gogic though.

[Aldo]

Macey

McGinn
Porteous
Hanlon

Boyle
Doig

Hallberg
Newell
Irvine

Nisbet
Doidge

NH barring injuries that won’t be far away.

Only decisions are who replaces Gogic and who starts in goals!


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[ancient hibee]

Something tells me Ross is going to do something a little different than most are expecting and play a flat 442.

Missing Gogic is more than just losing some steel in midfield, he's crucial to the way we play the 352, any CB can push on (particularly McGinn) and Gogic slots in seamlessly. He's really good at it and I think Ross will be wary that without him we may lose the attacking variation of having CBs pushing on a bit.

With that in mind I can see Ross deciding to play 442 instead of trying to force Hallberg or Magennis into a 352, which in all honesty might not be a terrible idea.

-----------------------Macey (I'd prefer Marciano)

McGinn------Porteous------Hanlon------Doig

Boyle----------Irvine----------Newell------Wright

------------------Nisbet-------Doidge---------------


Wouldn't be my first choice but something tells me that's Ross's team without Gogic. Worth noting that team could be shuffled slightly with Wright moving inside to make a 352 if need be during the game which Ross also likes to do.
If Ross thinks that United will play 3 upfront again I think he’s bound to go with a back 4.

[KeithTheHibby]

So much riding on this game so I don’t expect JR to tinker with the team much. Hallberg in for Gogic. Rest of the team picks itself.

[CJHibby]

I think Macey will definitely be in goals tomorrow. Whether he should be is another thing.

[Inconsequential]

I think Macey will definitely be in goals tomorrow. Whether he should be is another thing. Why shouldn't he be in goals? He has just committed himself to the club for the next two years. He hasn't let the team down in the games he has played IMO. Marciano is leaving.

[3pm]

I'd play Lewis at left back, Doig left midfield and go 442.

[GoalsMcGinley]

Why shouldn't he be in goals? He has just committed himself to the club for the next two years. He hasn't let the team down in the games he has played IMO. Marciano is leaving.

Because it’s a cup semi final and we should play the best available player in each position. Which, even if he is leaving, is STILL Marciano.


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[Bangkok Hibby]

Because it’s a cup semi final and we should play the best available player in each position. Which, even if he is leaving, is STILL Marciano.


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Can ANYONE actually say why Rocky is better than Macey? Serious question. We've
ben told plenty times that Rocky is better than previous Hibs keepers. I wouldn't disagree, but why is he better than Macey?

[Inconsequential]

Can ANYONE actually say why Rocky is better than Macey? Serious question. We've
ben told plenty times that Rocky is better than previous Hibs keepers. I wouldn't disagree, but why is he better than Macey? Because many on Hibsnet say he is better than Macey. Macey has only played a handful of games for Hibs. So where does this expert judgement of the goalkeepers come from? As far as I understand it Macey is the cup goalie as decided by Jack Ross. The only opinion that matters imo. :agree:

[Andy74]

Can ANYONE actually say why Rocky is better than Macey? Serious question. We've
ben told plenty times that Rocky is better than previous Hibs keepers. I wouldn't disagree, but why is he better than Macey?

Given how long Marciano has been here and his quality over that time the more pertinent question is why we wouldn’t play him over someone who is still pretty unproven. You certainly couldn’t say that Macey is the better keeper just now.

[Bangkok Hibby]

Given how long Marciano has been here and his quality over that time the more pertinent question is why we wouldn’t play him over someone who is still pretty unproven. You certainly couldn’t say that Macey is the better keeper just now.

You should be in politics..."the more pertinent question is"
And you are correct, I haven't said Macey is the better keeper.
Still waiting on the answer though.

[Andy74]

You should be in politics..."the more pertinent question is"
And you are correct, I haven't said Macey is the better keeper.
Still waiting on the answer though.

You haven’t asked the right question.

[Bangkok Hibby]

You haven’t asked the right question.

Yea OK

[CJHibby]

Inconsequential..I am happy for either Macey or Rocky between the sticks. We need our outfield players to turn up more pertinently.

[Since452]

Marciano at Hampden? Never had a good game there

[h1bs4life]

This team for me

Macey

McGinn
Porteous
Hanlon

Boyle
Hallberg
Newell
Irvine
Doig

Nisbet
Doidge

Not Hallberg biggest fan but probably the best we have to replace Gogic

Big test for Ross and the team after already loosing last 2 semi-finals but pretty confident we will win it.
Vital we take any chances we get early doors . Think we will win 2-0 and on to the final :flag::flag:

[GreyJammies]

Winning team.


Macey

Whittaker
McGregor
Hanlon

Boyle
Doig

Hallberg
Newell
Irvine


Nisbet
Doidge

[Northernhibee]

I could see it going to penalties again.

[gbhibby]

I'd play Lewis at left back, Doig left midfield and go 442.
Good shout Doig could replace Gogic can do the DM role.
Doig breaking from midfield and running at their central defenders will scare the hell out of them.

[Silky]

Given how long Marciano has been here and his quality over that time the more pertinent question is why we wouldn’t play him over someone who is still pretty unproven. You certainly couldn’t say that Macey is the better keeper just now.

How does he become "proven"?

[Andy74]

How does he become "proven"?

You might be confusing the question of whether he might be a good goalkeeper in future with whether he should play tomorrow.

I’ll worry about next year when it arrives. Just now our best keeper is Marciano. Must be, or Macey would have been our first choice by now.

Might as well give Drey Wright another opportunity instead of Boyle if we are just going to see if we can develop players that aren’t as good as the ones in front of them just now.

[GreyJammies]

Might as well give Drey Wright another opportunity instead of Boyle

Steady on there old chap.

Good grief.

[Shrekko]

You might be confusing the question of whether he might be a good goalkeeper in future with whether he should play tomorrow.

I’ll worry about next year when it arrives. Just now our best keeper is Marciano. Must be, or Macey would have been our first choice by now.

Might as well give Drey Wright another opportunity instead of Boyle if we are just going to see if we can develop players that aren’t as good as the ones in front of them just now.

I think you’re doing Jack Ross a disservice aren’t you? Only an idiot would play a player in any position in a semi final that was inferior to somebody else at the club.

It’s fairly obvious the Hibs coaching staff like what they see and whilst theres been no reason to drop Marciano this season they’re clearly equally comfortable with Macey in goals.

Rocky seems to be hugely popular with some fans and that’s fine, but the comments from those same fans about Macey’s supposed mistakes when he’s come in are just mental. The boy has looked very good indeed and in a cup game I’m taking him over Rocky if just for the fact Rocky never saves pens.

[erin go bragh]

Rocky has to play for me. Scottish cup semi final in a year were it guarantees euro football til Xmas you MUST pick the strongest possible team available.


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100% agree with this . Had Rocky been in goals against Motherwell,, we more than likely would have won in the 90 mins .

[Andy74]

I think you’re doing Jack Ross a disservice aren’t you? Only an idiot would play a player in any position in a semi final that was inferior to somebody else at the club.

It’s fairly obvious the Hibs coaching staff like what they see and whilst theres been no reason to drop Marciano this season they’re clearly equally comfortable with Macey in goals.

Rocky seems to be hugely popular with some fans and that’s fine, but the comments from those same fans about Macey’s supposed mistakes when he’s come in are just mental. The boy has looked very good indeed and in a cup game I’m taking him over Rocky if just for the fact Rocky never saves pens.

Macey is second choice. No doubt about it and no point pretending otherwise.

They might be comfortable that giving him the opportunity is worth it for whatever reason but they would certainly be making a conscious decision to play a player that is inferior to another one if they did.

[Shrekko]

Macey is second choice. No doubt about it and no point pretending otherwise.

They might be comfortable that giving him the opportunity is worth it for whatever reason but they would certainly be making a conscious decision to play a player that is inferior to another one if they did.

We don't actually know he's inferior- although we do seem to have a lot of top goalie analysts on here at the moment (that also seem oblivious to any flaws Rocky has).

So you are confirming you believe the manager is making a deliberate decision to play an inferior player in a cup semi? You must think Jack Ross is a very poor manager and basically an idiot?- lets face it, he will be well aware of the doubters amongst the support who've been determined from the start that he can't win a game that matters. He'll also be well aware of the potential massive financial implications to the club... and yet he's playing a player in a key position that he himself believes is inferior to the alternative?

[Allez Hibs]

Pretty comfortable with Macey in goal tomorrow. Looks like he's our #1 next season.

Like others have said, I also hope Boyle runs riot tomorrow with his pace and has himself a standout performance at Hampden proving a point to the SFA setup that overlooked him for Scotland.

[Greenio]

McGinn
Porteous
Hanlon

Boyle
Doig
Newell
Irvine
Magennis

Nisbet
Doidge

I feel he'll go with Magennis over Halberg

[bingo70]

McGinn
Porteous
Hanlon

Boyle
Doig
Newell
Irvine
Magennis

Nisbet
Doidge

I feel he'll go with Magennis over Halberg




I think Magennis has always started out on the left when he has played this season, I would be surprised if he brings him into the centre for this game.

I’ve not seen a lot of Dundee Utd this season but against Aberdeen they played a high tempo pressing game from what I could tell. I’m no expert but I would have thought the longer we can keep the ball the more we can take the sting it if that as the more energy they will be using. With that in mind, I think Hallbergs main attribute is ball retention, if he can sit a bit deeper and keep the ball moving it could be quite useful today.

I’m not saying Hallberg is a world beater but I think we keep the ball better when he’s in the team, IMO that could be important today.

[The Baldmans Comb]

Rocky is the vastly more experienced goalkeeper both domestically and internationally and is now at the peak of his career.

He is very solid with a strong technique and is very comfortable playing with the current defence and has shown on many occasions that he is capable of making the killer save that can change or save a game.

Macey might become all these things but its still a huge unknown. The first rule of big games is to play your best team available and go with experience.

This is a totally unnecessary risk to take.

[Big_Franck]

Rocky is the vastly more experienced goalkeeper both domestically and internationally and is now at the peak of his career.

He is very solid with a strong technique and is very comfortable playing with the current defence and has shown on many occasions that he is capable of making the killer save that can change or save a game.

Macey might become all these things but its still a huge unknown. The first rule of big games is to play your best team available and go with experience.

This is a totally unnecessary risk to take.

Totally agree. He needs to start and I think he will.

[Highwayman]

IMO this game today will define JRs season.
Irrespective of Hibs finishing third,losing three semi finals in one seasons would probably open up the Ross Out Poll again.
As far is selection is concerned.I don’t care if JR has promised Macey the cup games.Marciano is the No 1 keeper and should be in.Let’s see if JR has the bottle to do this.
Hallberg is the only realistic replacement for Gogic.To those punting for Maggenis to start.All I can say is what is the colour of the sky in your world.
Can only hope that Nisbet is fit to replace Wright.IMO Nisbet is quality but feel he has still a bit to prove to Stevie Clark and the value prospective buyers put on him.
A hat trick today would help his cause.

[Andy74]

We don't actually know he's inferior- although we do seem to have a lot of top goalie analysts on here at the moment (that also seem oblivious to any flaws Rocky has).

So you are confirming you believe the manager is making a deliberate decision to play an inferior player in a cup semi? You must think Jack Ross is a very poor manager and basically an idiot?- lets face it, he will be well aware of the doubters amongst the support who've been determined from the start that he can't win a game that matters. He'll also be well aware of the potential massive financial implications to the club... and yet he's playing a player in a key position that he himself believes is inferior to the alternative?

He’s our number 2 keeper. If he was better than Rocky then our coaching staff haven’t been playing their best player in that position which would be odd.

I can see why he’s said he’d give him an opportunity in cup games but that is very different from the huge games we have now in the cup.

If he plays him today then yes of course he would be making a decision to play an inferior player. I think that would be a poor decision.

Rocky might play and make the vital mistake, you never know, but particularly with keepers you assess the risk and playing Macey is at this point a bigger risk than playing Rocky.

[Tambo]

Praying for a good fast start and hopefully a few goals.

Nerves kicking in big time now.

GGTTH.

[Hibiza]

C'mon the squad !!! WE CAN DO IT !!!

[Dashing Bob S]

This one could go to penalties

[jacomo]

I'd have Magennis instead of Irvine but that is what I would go with. Irvine has been poor for weeks and it would be good if Magennis could have a few good memories about his first year with us. Macey would play all the games till the end of the year for me just so we can judge better if we need to sign another goalie


Irvine just doesn’t look fully fit to me and not at his sharpest. He’s not really provided a match winning performance.

However, the closest we can to a goal last weekend was from his passes. The reverse Allan-type ball released Boyle to put the ball in the net, but Boyle had not quite timed his run properly and was flagged for offside.

I think leaving Irvine out is a big risk.

[Since452]

Genuinely thinking of not watching it. Don't know if I can put myself through the ringer again

[Aldo]

Genuinely thinking of not watching it. Don't know if I can put myself through the ringer again

I’m working and will be busy until 6 but going to try and dip in and out if time allows.

I’m getting nervous now. Don’t know why as was confident earlier!


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[Hibee Mac]

Genuinely thinking of not watching it. Don't know if I can put myself through the ringer againI'm making a conscious effort today not to get too hung up on it and try to enjoy the game.

What will be will be, I ended up shouting at the telly more than I'd like Vs St Johnstone last week and don't want the neighbours to think I'm a psycho [emoji23]

Football pulls the extremes out of us to the point where sometimes we can forget to just enjoy the game.

[blackpoolhibs]

He’s our number 2 keeper. If he was better than Rocky then our coaching staff haven’t been playing their best player in that position which would be odd.

I can see why he’s said he’d give him an opportunity in cup games but that is very different from the huge games we have now in the cup.

If he plays him today then yes of course he would be making a decision to play an inferior player. I think that would be a poor decision.

Rocky might play and make the vital mistake, you never know, but particularly with keepers you assess the risk and playing Macey is at this point a bigger risk than playing Rocky.

Exactly this. :agree:

[Onceinawhile]

You should be in politics..."the more pertinent question is"
And you are correct, I haven't said Macey is the better keeper.
Still waiting on the answer though.

I would say he's a better shot stopper and also, more importantly, he's had far more games behind this defence and that for me is important.

I'm happy with either, but my first choice is rocky.

[AliboyFC]

This for me:flag: But Porteous for McGregor

Yep

[CMurdoch]

Rocky for me, leaving ability aside he has played at Hampden lots of times and if Macey makes a big mistake it would be difficult to get the supporters back onside next season.

Hallberg for Gogic, he has strength and can retain the ball. A good replacement. Magennis has shown nothing to date to be selected for this game. Not happening. Lucky to have Hallberg to fill the gap.

Big question is will JR start Murphy or will he hold him back for the1st hour then bring him on to do his stuff if required.

Wright would be my 2nd sub and Magennis 3rd.
All other Hibs players on the bench will play only if there are injuries during the game.

[Bangkok Hibby]

I would say he's a better shot stopper and also, more importantly, he's had far more games behind this defence and that for me is important.

I'm happy with either, but my first choice is rocky.

Thanks. I wondered about the familiarity with the defense argument. Obviously that's the case however I've seen people saying he's not all that vocal. Not sure if Macey commands the box any better. Time will tell.

[superfurryhibby]

Rocky for me, leaving ability aside he has played at Hampden lots of times and if Macey makes a big mistake it would be difficult to get the supporters back onside next season.

Hallberg for Gogic, he has strength and can retain the ball. A good replacement. Magennis has shown nothing to date to be selected for this game. Not happening. Lucky to have Hallberg to fill the gap.

Big question is will JR start Murphy or will he hold him back for the1st hour then bring him on to do his stuff if required.

Wright would be my 2nd sub and Magennis 3rd.
All other Hibs players on the bench will play only if there are injuries during the game.

Agreed Hallberg should start before Magennis.

Murphy before Wright, if either starts.

[Billy Whizz]

Team news should be up in next 30 mins or so

Starting to feel a bit nervous now, really not looking forward to another semi final, with no fans at Hampden

[Broken Gnome]

Think I'm more nervous about knowing I'll be nervous watching it on TV. Been a season of rotten paranoia at home fearing the worst in these games.

Mon Hibs, do it.

[Joe6-2]

I'm making a conscious effort today not to get too hung up on it and try to enjoy the game.

What will be will be, I ended up shouting at the telly more than I'd like Vs St Johnstone last week and don't want the neighbours to think I'm a psycho [emoji23]

Football pulls the extremes out of us to the point where sometimes we can forget to just enjoy the game.

How long do you think you will keep that up?

[Billy Whizz]

Macey, Hanlon, Porteous, McGinn, Doidge, Boyle, Newell, Nisbet, Hallberg, Doig, Irvine.

Subs: Marciano, Gray, Magennis, Wright, Stevenson, Murphy, McGregor, Laidlaw.

[Andy74]

He’s a brave man on the keeper front. Hope he has a quiet one mind you!

[Stuart93]

Christ, that’s a massive call in a semi final.

[Since452]

Extremely nervous now. No matter how much I've told myself that what will be will be I've reverted back to ****ing myself. Torture being Hibs fan at times.

[Peevemor]

Macey, Hanlon, Porteous, McGinn, Doidge, Boyle, Newell, Nisbet, Hallberg, Doig, Irvine.

Subs: Marciano, Gray, Magennis, Wright, Stevenson, Murphy, McGregor, Laidlaw.

Works for me.

[Since452]

Ross is a man of his word. Fair play. Bit disappointed McGregor isn't in for Porteous.

[Jim44]

I think we’ll get through this tie but my only fear is how much we will miss Gogic.

[Peevemor]

I'm snowed under with work and planned to get 2-3 hours done this afternoon before the match (I'm an hour behind remember).

I'm definitely worse than a man short between checking every 5 minutes for team news and election results.

[The Baldmans Comb]

Going with the inexperienced second choice keeper in a Scottish Cup semi final is a huge call but its more about our attitude and how we play as a team rather than focusing on the one position.

Hibs still to win as we are a better team but need to show it.

[Greenbeard]

Ross is a man of his word. Fair play. Bit disappointed McGregor isn't in for Porteous.
Porteous won't make the same sort of gaff again. If he does Millwall can have him.

[DaveF]

Today would be a nice day for Newell and Irvine to play well and dominate.

[Smartie]

Ross is a man of his word. Fair play. Bit dissspointed McGregor isn't in for Porteous.

I have no problem with that.

Team is probably the most predictable and sensible one.

Can’t say I don’t have issues with it but given who we’re missing it was probably always going to be the team he’d pick.

Very happy to have Boyle out wide and Nisbet and Doidge up front.

Hallberg is a steady player who rarely lets us down.

It might boil down to which Porteous and Newell turn up, 2 players who have the potential to be our best or worst players on any given day.

[Hibee Mac]

How long do you think you will keep that up?I reckon if I manage 5 mins mate it'll be progress [emoji23]

I'll ask my neighbours tomorrow and let you know...

[Joe6-2]

I reckon if I manage 5 mins mate it'll be progress [emoji23]

I'll ask my neighbours tomorrow and let you know...

😂😂😂

[J-C]

Macey, Hanlon, Porteous, McGinn, Doidge, Boyle, Newell, Nisbet, Hallberg, Doig, Irvine.

Subs: Marciano, Gray, Magennis, Wright, Stevenson, Murphy, McGregor, Laidlaw.

Team we probably expected, he's played Macey in all the other rounds and he's stayed with him, the lad's just signed a new 2 yr deal so I think Ross has shown his loyalty to him by playing him.

The team looks like either 352 that he's been playing but it could easily be a 433.

[Callum_62]

. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210508/5e7160aa4946d88a4ff0378ad895ef99.jpg

Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk

[Tambo]

Can’t argue with that team. Hopefully Boyle has another one of his games today.

Fancy Nisbet to score today.

Please Hibs any win will do.

[Shrekko]

He’s our number 2 keeper. If he was better than Rocky then our coaching staff haven’t been playing their best player in that position which would be odd.

I can see why he’s said he’d give him an opportunity in cup games but that is very different from the huge games we have now in the cup.

If he plays him today then yes of course he would be making a decision to play an inferior player. I think that would be a poor decision.

Rocky might play and make the vital mistake, you never know, but particularly with keepers you assess the risk and playing Macey is at this point a bigger risk than playing Rocky.

As I’ve said all along - I think they feel both are equally capable - you’d not know if he’s considered ‘number 2’ in their minds.

There has been no reason to drop Rocky for league games but Macey has been given his chance in the cup and has done nothing to warrant being dropped from cup games.

Rocky made a howler in his first cup semi so regardless of what happens today we’ll never know the whether he’d have made a difference.

Hopefully it’s all a moot point.

[I_Love_Latapy]

Team we probably expected, he's played Macey in all the other rounds and he's stayed with him, the lad's just signed a new 2 yr deal so I think Ross has shown his loyalty to him by playing him.

The team looks like either 352 that he's been playing but it could easily be a 433.

From the graphic on Twitter (and just below your post) it looks like it might be 433?

[Hibby Kay-Yay]

*******************Macey******************

*******McGinn*****Porteous******Hanlon******

Boyle*************Hallberg***************Doig

***********Irvine**********Newell***********


*************Doidge******Nisbet************

[CMurdoch]

We are lucky to have good players in every position today.
Porteous will be on his metal for the rest of the season so no worries there.
Nisbet had a wee rest last week and I reckon this will be his day.
Keep 11 players on the pitch and the game should be ours.

I reckon Dundee Utd have a possible weakness in their goalkeeper.
Their strength is in their forwards so hopefully we can keep them quiet and Shankland doesn't come up with something big with his movement off defenders and great feet. Butcher is their spoiler in midfield. Hopefully he gets booked early and has to find his neck in. Fuchs has improved their midfield but it's still nowhere near as good as ours

I am confident our quality in all positions will see us win.