Hearts home - build up thread

[Pedantic_Hibee]

You sure you could PH? :flag:

Four cans of Red Bull pre-match and a defib on stand by. Nae bother to me.

[lyonhibs]

Don't know whether it's the extra hour in bed, the fact that it's a lovely morning or some other totally random and illogical reason, but I've woken up, put on my Hibs strip and, defying all historical logic and my previous gut instinct, think we'll do this today*. 2-1 Hibs, nae hair or nails left by the end.

*Starting XI may cause this feeling to change.

[Not In The Know]

I really don’t understand why the club tolerates his presence at Easter Road given his quite open affiliation to our rivals and constant negativity towards our club.

I don’t know if our big security man who is a presence on match days is also in situ for press briefings -
If so, he should really be grabbing McLaughlin by the shirt collar and launching him through the front doors and be told never to come back.

Another glaring example of our behind the scenes naivety/inexperience is how he’s allowed the first questions front and centre in all the pressers here. Get him last up in the order with one irrelevant question.

[Hibernian Verse]

The unemotional bookies still have us as slight favourites.

[MWHIBBIES]

Can't see Josh starting however this would be a decent game to do so in terms if energy and getting about the pitch

God no. We won derbies with quality footballers like Mcginn and Mcgeouch. Not headless chickens who pass to the opposition more than our guys.

[B.H.F.C]

Big day today. Derbies always big but feel like the club are right on the edge just now.

Anything tactical is secondary today. Need a team that is properly fired up from the start and just goes after them. They owe it to us.

[Pedantic_Hibee]

I’d have Gayle in the starting line-up.

[Glory Lurker]

We're doing this today.

Mon the Hibees!!!!

[Franck Le God]

I’d have Gayle in the starting line-up.

Same here. Seems to have a bit of needle about him and will want to kick on after scoring last week. 2 up top would be my preference.


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[Crab apple]

They seem to think that after two wins the Gorgie juggernaut is back on track to get third place. Let's wait and see what happens today. It's a huge game for both teams.

[JimBHibees]

God no. We won derbies with quality footballers like Mcginn and Mcgeouch. Not headless chickens who pass to the opposition more than our guys.

He isn’t as bad as made out and certainly his work rate puts others to shame. Don’t think he will start but a derby battle would suit him more than other games. Bit unlucky in previous derbies hitting the post and cleared off the line.

[Since90+2]

He isn’t as bad as made out and certainly his work rate puts others to shame. Don’t think he will start but a derby battle would suit him more than other games. Bit unlucky in previous derbies hitting the post and cleared off the line.

Does his work rate put others to shame or is that because running around a lot is he only real asset? I've genuinely no idea, not sure if distance covered stats are available for the league, but I'd be surprised if it's any really different to our other midfielders.

[Unseen work]

Unfortunately I just have no confidence that we’ll win the game

When we’re the form team we struggle to beat them
When they’re the form team we struggle to beat them
Big game? Struggle to beat them

New manager, 2 good wins in a week in a bottom of the table clash

I just can’t see it

[MWHIBBIES]

He isn’t as bad as made out and certainly his work rate puts others to shame. Don’t think he will start but a derby battle would suit him more than other games. Bit unlucky in previous derbies hitting the post and cleared off the line.

He is as bad as made out.
Everyone elses ability puts his to shame.
We've never won a derby that he has started, so no, it doesn't suit him.

[Donegal Hibby]

He isn’t as bad as made out and certainly his work rate puts others to shame. Don’t think he will start but a derby battle would suit him more than other games. Bit unlucky in previous derbies hitting the post and cleared off the line.

Yip , it will be Kwon and Triantis with Newell out I’m not sure we have that many options … Rudi has generally been quiet when played in the centre , I don’t think it’s a game for Levitt , could play Hoilett there though he looks better out wide and that leaves NMW and Campbell .

[JimBHibees]

He is as bad as made out.
Everyone elses ability puts his to shame.
We've never won a derby that he has started, so no, it doesn't suit him.

A lot of Hibs players you can say the same of.

[BILLYHIBS]

Josh Campbell is having a poor season by his standards hasn’t scored this season probably directly or indirectly responsible for the concession of goals against Motherwell and Dundee United giving the ball away stupid fouls and not tracking his man

Was surprised when SDG hailed him as the messiah for 2024/25 but still the same old same old cannae control a baw giving the ball to the opposition cannae pass many’s a time I have left ER scratching my head wondering how he made it to our level as cannae even do the basics

Prove me wrong today Josh never say never

[JimBHibees]

Yip , it will be Kwon and Triantis with Newell out I’m not sure we have that many options … Rudi has generally been quiet when played in the centre , I don’t think it’s a game for Levitt , could play Hoilett there though he looks better out wide and that leaves NMW and Campbell .

Think we will play sitting two however a few attacking options in front of that.

[Hibees1973]

Huge game today for the club.

A capitulation as we have seen many times so far this season would result in wholesale protests and toxicity. Gray has had a very easy time of it up until now, but today he needs to show he is capable of turning this debacle around and be the Hibs manager long term.

Much as three points today would paper over the cracks for me, our problems go far deeper than Gray, the Hibs support need to see a grain of progress and have some hope.

It is not a lost cause today. We have forward players who can cause a whole load of problems for the Yam defence. Ultimately, however, how we defend today is what matters. We need calm when under pressure. No poor decision making, game changing errors or sendings off. If we have any of these again we will lose.

I'm away just now and can't attend today. I'm not sure if this is good thing or not as watching Hibs this season has left me feeling as I did back in 2014.

A win, any win today is a must. But I have been saying this for weeks. Gray is running out of time.

If not I expect there will be protests against The Golden Quadrant at next weekends game against Dundee Utd demanding root and branch change.

[Bostonhibby]

At the risk of going all Roy Keane on you. I think praising the groundsmans dedication for cutting the grass is a bit much, that’s his job, cutting the grass is what he’s meant to do. [emoji12]Biggest, best, most atmospheric grass in the world.

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[HendoDelivered]

Don’t really feel nervous or excited about today. Anyone else the same? Hopefully perk up a bit before kick off.

[Donegal Hibby]

Think we will play sitting two however a few attacking options in front of that.

I think it will be …


.Bursik.

. Miller. Ekpiteta. O’Hora. Obita .

. Triantis. Kwon .

. Boyle . ? *. Hoilett .

. Myko.

* I’m not sure who Gray will go with there though don’t think we are blessed with options tbh .

[Unseen work]

I think it will be …


.Bursik.

. Miller. Ekpiteta. O’Hora. Obita .

. Triantis. Kwon .

. Boyle . ? *. Hoilett .

. Myko.

* I’m not sure who Gray will go with there though don’t think we are blessed with options tbh .

I’d be surprised if we never went for a 352 with Iredale starting



…………..Bursik…….

…..O’Hora….Ekpiteta…Iredale..

Miller……Kwon….Triantis……Obita…..

……………….Hoilett…..

…………Boyle………..Myk…..

[coldingham hibs]

He isn’t as bad as made out and certainly his work rate puts others to shame. Don’t think he will start but a derby battle would suit him more than other games. Bit unlucky in previous derbies hitting the post and cleared off the line.

I don’t get this ‘work rate’ talk. I can’t say I have ever left the ground win/lose/draw saying Josh Campbell’s work rate was impressive. Are there actually any stats that show his work rate is superior to the other players?.

[Broken Gnome]

I don’t get this ‘work rate’ talk. I can’t say I have ever left the ground win/lose/draw saying Josh Campbell’s work rate was impressive. Are there actually any stats that show his work rate is superior to the other players?.

I've always thought his body language and visible fitness was entirely linked to how he was playing, and his good games are few and far between. Quite often looks like he trudges round the pitch semi-knackered, and not because he's covered every blade of grass.

I'm torn today as to whether we should do something clever, play a wild card as a number 10 that can float into space everywhere as part of a well coached masterplan, or just get two up top and try to at least function as a proper football team. Probably the latter.

[Donegal Hibby]

I’d be surprised if we never went for a 352 with Iredale starting



…………..Bursik…….

…..O’Hora….Ekpiteta…Iredale..

Miller……Kwon….Triantis……Obita…..

……………….Hoilett…..

…………Boyle………..Myk…..

I think every game so far we have started 4-2-3-1 though that’s not say Gray won’t change it .. I actually like the look of your team and would be happy enough with it.

[Albert Kidd 86’]

A win today and wed night could see us 6 point ahead of yams and in 6th place….

[Since452]

Dreading this today. Can see us getting a spanking.

[flash]

Getting ready to leave the house and the nervy tummy is kicking in.

[BILLYHIBS]

Unleash the Gayle

Looks sharp experienced striker and knows the way to goal

Liked how he took his goal at Tannadice heading the ball into the ground ensuring either way it was on target testing the keeper

The Hearts don’t like it up em !

[Unseen work]

A win today and wed night could see us 6 point ahead of yams and in 6th place….

All we need to do is win double the amount of games in 4 days that we have all season 🤣

[Northernhibee]

Dreading this today. Can see us getting a spanking.

Kind of how I feel.

[cubehindthegoal]

I’d be surprised if we never went for a 352 with Iredale starting



…………..Bursik…….

…..O’Hora….Ekpiteta…Iredale..

Miller……Kwon….Triantis……Obita…..

……………….Hoilett…..

…………Boyle………..Myk…..

If we are 352 then agree with this, with one change, I’d swap Gayle in for Boyle from the start, then Boyle can come on later to impact wide or upfront.

Hard one to call today, such a landmark game for SDG if it’s either a win or loss. Does he feel he has to change it from
4 at the back, not sure. He might not, but still play two up. I’d like to see Gayle on from start for definite though.

[Swedish hibee]

C'mon the Hibs!!!!

[One Day Soon]

I feel I’m about to go under the knife for a critical operation. ie ****ting myself

[Clarence]

Unleash the Gayle

Looks sharp experienced striker and knows the way to goal

Liked how he took his goal at Tannadice heading the ball into the ground ensuring either way it was on target testing the keeper

The Hearts don’t like it up em !

I remember Michael O’Neill scoring against them with a nice downward header.

[weecounty hibby]

Right Hibs. Nae ****ing about today. Just win. Team talk over

[Hibby70]

I've been to too many games where we have been the better team and ended up with nothing.

I have a feeling this may go the other way.

[Hibees1973]

Dreading this today. Can see us getting a spanking.

It may not be any worse than 0-2, but it's the gut feeling of most Hibs supporters I know.

They are joint bottom of the table same as us and played a game more. But to go into a derby game with this mentality throughout our support must resonate with The Gordons & Kensell.

[bordergreen]

Today is the day we turn it around. Mon the Hibees :flag:

433 get right in about them!

[Glory Lurker]

I feel I’m about to go under the knife for a critical operation. ie ****ting myself

Hope that goes well, ODS.

[Cooshed Kid]

I have no tactical nous when it comes to football except for a belief that if you don't set your team up in such a way that it has the means to score goals then victory will be harder to come by.

I want to see Myko, Gayle and Hoilett start as Myko should be able to hold up the ball and will cause Hearts the most physical bother, Junior has the deftness of touch to lay off a beautiful chance and Gayle is the most likely to put it in the net. However, even with my ideal set-up I have no confidence we will execute well. Hearts have momentum and if we have any at all it's been in reverse gear. If the entire team turns up with clear heads and focuses on their roles then we can take away 3 points. At some point this season they will probably get things together but will it be today?

I thought we'd make top 6 and there's still a long way to go so it's still possible. I'm not optimistic because of our repeated failures of discipline and organisation. When will the players learn?

[expresso]

Don’t really feel nervous or excited about today. Anyone else the same? Hopefully perk up a bit before kick off.

I’m like this too just resigned to team letting me down as per

[SteveHFC]

No Campbell in the squad.

[Unseen work]

Youan starting

I like it

But I don’t get how that happens when he’s been so far out the team

[Unseen work]

Bursik

Miller Ekpiteta O’Hora Obita

Triantis Kwon

Boyle Hoilett Youan

Gayle

Very attacking

[GreenNWhiteArmy]

Boyle captain. Time to step up

[Northernhibee]

Youan starting

I like it

But I don’t get how that happens when he’s been so far out the team

Gayle picked over Myko too

[GreenNWhiteArmy]

Our strongest team imo. Go get em

[Greenio]

Bursik

Miller Ekpiteta O’Hora Obita

Triantis Kwon

Boyle Hoilett Youan

Gayle

Very attacking


On paper, thats our strongest team

Im all for it.

Intae them from the off

[supermcginn]

Campbell dropped from the squad, hallelujah .

[marinello59]

Bursik

Miller Ekpiteta O’Hora Obita

Triantis Kwon

Boyle Hoilett Youan

Gayle

Very attacking

Good team.
We are doing this today. :thumbsup:

[HendoDelivered]

JDH is alive

[Paul1642]

On the face of it I like the team and would say Gray is at least trying to learn from mistakes.

Had Youan been frozen out again and the likes of Campbell picked then a hypothetical defeat would have been inexcusable.

Glad to see Gayle starting too. He might be new at the club but he’s got the experience we need today.

[CentreLine]

Well we will find out today whether Elie Youan has an ounce of effort to offer Hibs. He starts in the biggest match of the season so far. I sincerely hope we get to see talent he undoubtedly has.

[Unseen work]

Well we will find out today whether Elie Youan has an ounce of effort to offer Hibs. He starts in the biggest match of the season so far. I sincerely hope we get to see talent he undoubtedly has.

I think he’s just very nonchalant and always has been.

The sub appearances this season don’t mean much to me, came on and the team has done poorly

No doubt he’ll at least offer a threat today

[Jones28]

No problem with that 11. Need everyone to put a shift in and stop crosses please also.

[Unseen work]

JDH is alive

Jeez I never even noticed, weird one

[flash]

Manager has picked a team I like so that's step one accomplished.

[HendoDelivered]

Might put my life savings in Nectar getting a booking today :greengrin

[we are hibs]

Must win today. No hard luck stories or failing to turn up today please. Perform and get the win.

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[cubehindthegoal]

Molotnikov and Kuharevich offer potential positive change from the bench, Iredale hopefully reliable cover. Can’t fault his line up really, it shows intent … hope Youan steps up, and the players reflect sDGs intent. They have to, they will be up for it and feeling confident, our players need to match that first of all, and no be a bag o nerves like me just now !

[Greenbeard]

Might put my life savings in Nectar getting a booking today :greengrin
Certainty cos he's the only one in midfield who can defend. He'll be runing around like a blue-ar5ed fly covering for the defensive frailties of his midfield colleagues.
Could be 4-0 either way with that team imo.

[Unseen work]

Might put my life savings in Nectar getting a booking today :greengrin

An absolute certainty he gets booked in the first 15 minutes for a foul on Vargas

[Cooshed Kid]

I had assumed Youan would not be a starter. If he's up for it we have hope.

[Crab apple]

Can't really argue with that selection today.

[matty_f]

There’s no doubt we’re going for it with that line up. It’s either going to be terrific or horrific but I’m all in favour of going all out to win it.

[RMQ1967]

There’s no doubt we’re going for it with that line up. It’s either going to be terrific or horrific but I’m all in favour of going all out to win it.

Exactly where I am - could be 5-0 either way 😂

[hibee_girl]

There’s no doubt we’re going for it with that line up. It’s either going to be terrific or horrific but I’m all in favour of going all out to win it.

This. It’ll be exciting either way :greengrin

[The Spaceman]

Loving that team to be honest - most attacking set up we’ve had in a long time with pace on the wings finally. Feel a lot more confident after seeing that, Hearts might be a bit leggy as well.

[Jock O]

I think its incredibly harsh Campbell been taken out of squad, he definitely needed a rest from playing, but that's a big mental blow if he has just been completely dropped. Hopefully it was a decision discussed with Campbell with the view to taking him out of limelight a little for a few weeks and work on his confidence. He hasn't been having a good time definitely but it will be a real blow.

Its a very decisive move by Gray either way.

[HarpOnHibee]

I think its incredibly harsh Campbell been taken out of squad, he definitely needed a rest from playing, but that's a big mental blow if he has just been completely dropped. Hopefully it was a decision discussed with Campbell with the view to taking him out of limelight a little for a few weeks and work on his confidence. He hasn't been having a good time definitely but it will be a real blow.

Its a very decisive move by Gray either way.

Life is harsh. He hasn't earned the right to remain in the line up. No sympathy from me.

[Coco Bryce]

I think its incredibly harsh Campbell been taken out of squad, he definitely needed a rest from playing, but that's a big mental blow if he has just been completely dropped. Hopefully it was a decision discussed with Campbell with the view to taking him out of limelight a little for a few weeks and work on his confidence. He hasn't been having a good time definitely but it will be a real blow.

Its a very decisive move by Gray either way.

He's been brutal this season.

That's how football works

Hardly harsh!

[Greenio]

I think its incredibly harsh Campbell been taken out of squad, he definitely needed a rest from playing, but that's a big mental blow if he has just been completely dropped. Hopefully it was a decision discussed with Campbell with the view to taking him out of limelight a little for a few weeks and work on his confidence. He hasn't been having a good time definitely but it will be a real blow.

Its a very decisive move by Gray either way.


Campbell's a grownup. No-one likes being dropped, but you said yourself he needs a rest, he'll know that too.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Glad to see Gayle starting too. He might be new at the club but he’s got the experience we need today.

I was impressed with what he had to say in the press during the week, time for Hibs to do our talking on the pitch though. 🤞

[MWHIBBIES]

Campbell dropped from the squad, hallelujah .

5-0 Hibs.

[1875godsgift]

I think its incredibly harsh Campbell been taken out of squad, he definitely needed a rest from playing, but that's a big mental blow if he has just been completely dropped. Hopefully it was a decision discussed with Campbell with the view to taking him out of limelight a little for a few weeks and work on his confidence. He hasn't been having a good time definitely but it will be a real blow.

Its a very decisive move by Gray either way.

He's maybe picked up a knock in training? :dunno:

[GreenCastle]

Our strongest team imo. Go get em

I would have liked to have seen Myko starting to hold ball up etc but hard to figure out to get all these players into the system.

[Berwickhibby]

Currently in Malta 🇲🇹…heading for the pub …come on my Bonnie Boys :flag::flag::flag:

[wookie70]

Very attacking line up. If we get plenty ball we may do well. If Triantis has an off day we could be in all sorts. It is a line up that is brave as we could be completely overrun. If we can pass much better than we have it could be a masterstroke. Hopefully that is the case as SDG really needs a result and particularly one we can associate with his team selection

[wookie70]

Turn the tannoy down FFS. What a racket

[Scottie]

Turn the tannoy down FFS. What a racket
:faf: Ffs man let’s go it’s the derby

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Campbell dropped from the squad, hallelujah .

Praying for Donegal 🙏