Rangers v Hibs build up thread

[GreenCastle]

Hibs are 15 games unbeaten in the league.

We travel to Ibrox this weekend as we continue to push towards 3rd place finish.

St Johnstone was very straight forward but this will be a much tougher test.

Rangers haven't kept a clean sheet in last 9 games so we should have opportunities to score.

Our away record against them isn't the best with the last win in Feb 2018.

We haven't beaten Rangers in last 12 league games - last win was the Boyle Hat trick in semi final in Nov 2021.

If you take out the cup semi final - we haven't beaten them for 25 league games which is absolutely ridiculous and needs to change.

Will we see Newell, Cadden N or Youan back in the squad? A draw would be a decent enough result but we have to limit them to few chances and definitely can't start like we did last home game going 2-0 after 20 minutes - however fantastic comeback in a game we could have won at Easter Road.

[B.H.F.C]

I hope we just go and have a go on Saturday. If ever there was a time to go to Glasgow and just have a go, it’s this game for me. They don’t really have anything to play for and are as capable of being terrible as they are of being good. Myko out the team but no changes otherwise for me.

[Donegal Hibby]

Is Cerny out for them ?

[Jones28]

Massive test, I'd take a draw right now.

2-2.

[Heisenberg]

Aberdeen having them at home after they’ve played in Europe isn’t ideal in the fight for third. Really got to go through there and give it a go, definitely chances to be had if we do.

[JimBHibees]

Is Cerny out for them ?

Said he came back from international with hamstring issue Baz said touch and go for Dunde game. Got to assume if a doubt they will keep him for European match. Personally think likely won’t play. Probably their best player.

[500miles]

Is Cerny out for them ?

Is he not getting a ban for spraying the celtic fans?

[Donegal Hibby]

Said he came back from international with hamstring issue Baz said touch and go for Dunde game. Got to assume if a doubt they will keep him for European match. Personally think likely won’t play. Probably their best player.

Thanks Jim . Thought there was some mention of an injury . It certainly would be a boast IMO if he misses our game as he's the most dangerous player they have .

[JimBHibees]

Is he not getting a ban for spraying the celtic fans?

Could you imagine the outrage if that had happened at Ibrox?

[Joe6-2]

Could you imagine the outrage if that had happened at Ibrox?

But wee Barry thought it was ok, he encourages his players to celebrate, dick

[Donegal Hibby]

Massive test, I'd take a draw right now.

2-2.

So would I . I wonder if Gray will make any changes to the team , Bowie starting and maybe a game that Campbell is needed in for his energy / work rate or do we stick with Hoilett who was excellent. Is NMW coming in for Levitt a possibility too ? .

[gbhibby]

Could you imagine the outrage if that had happened at Ibrox?https://images.app.goo.gl/pbFKbhPZQiH5Bj5w5

Elie has already got his water bottle at the ready.

Sent from my SM-A127F using Tapatalk

[number9dream]

Rangers have been 2-0 down in four of their past five league games, so I’d like to think we’ll get a few chances.
Hoilett drifting left could be a good way of exploiting the gaps Tavernier leaves…But we might need Campbell’s energy and aggression.

[GloryGlory]

Whose the ref? :devil:

Edit: I mean - who have the Lodge appointed as ref?

[Gloucester Hibs]

I think Souttar and Diomande are both suspended for their European match, wonder if either will feature against us? Logic being they might prefer to give their replacements a run out. Got to go there and have a go, approach the game like we did against Celtic at home.

[NAE NOOKIE]

The post split fixtures are gonna be as tough as it gets, no matter how they break down home and away. Getting 6 points from the next two games could be absolutely massive.
This game is really hard to call .... they have found their scoring touch, but conversely their defence is vulnerable. This could come down to us taking our chances, there has still been too many games in this run where we have bemoaned a draw because we didn't take a hat full of chances, the Killie game being a case in point. You can't afford that at Ibrox.

This is a game we can win IMO ..... They have been slow starters and the first 20 minutes is when we can get at them, put a couple away and hopefully our defence can make a better fist of it than Killie or Dundee did. I would settle for a draw at this stage mind.

[SHODAN]

Said this before the cup game v Celtic - this is our best chance to get a win at Ibrox since the last time we won there.

[Ron D Hibbie]

Whose the ref? :devil:

Edit: I mean - who have the Lodge appointed as ref?

Don robertson. Clancy on var.

[Shrekko]

So would I . I wonder if Gray will make any changes to the team , Bowie starting and maybe a game that Campbell is needed in for his energy / work rate or do we stick with Hoilett who was excellent. Is NMW coming in for Levitt a possibility too ? .

Levitt and Hoillet have been terrific in our last 2 games. I cannot see any justification in even contemplating dropping them.

We had all the 'energy' in midfield against Celtic in the cup and couldn't string 2 passes together. Not sure why we have to assume that we can't get a result at Ibrox by using players who are good on the ball?

[Tyler Durden]

I think the only question is whether it's Campbell or Bowie in for Myko. I could see an argument for Campbell playing that role he did around Xmas time with Hoilett and Boyle splitting as wider forwards.

But I think it's likely Bowie for Myko. Try to get a lead and then we can see how the game develops re subs.

[K-Zazu]

Smash them Hibs now is the time

[B.H.F.C]

Levitt and Hoillet have been terrific in our last 2 games. I cannot see any justification in even contemplating dropping them.

We had all the 'energy' in midfield against Celtic in the cup and couldn't string 2 passes together. Not sure why we have to assume that we can't get a result at Ibrox by using players who are good on the ball?

Agree. The only decision to be made, IMO, is who comes in for Myko. But this is very much a game where we need to be looking to get on the ball and play IMO.

[overdrive]

Don robertson. Clancy on var.

Don Robertson isn't great but as far as refs go, he can have a decent game every now and then. Clancy on VAR gives me the absolute fear.

Edit: did we not have this combo for a game earlier in the season where Clancy tried to screw us on VAR but Robertson overruled him?

[Pagan Hibernia]

No reason we can't go there and do a job on them like Queens Park, St Mirren and Motherwell. And Fenerbahce.

The potential for egg on face is always high in situations like this but I think we'll get something on Saturday. Draw at least.

[Donegal Hibby]

Levitt and Hoillet have been terrific in our last 2 games. I cannot see any justification in even contemplating dropping them.

We had all the 'energy' in midfield against Celtic in the cup and couldn't string 2 passes together. Not sure why we have to assume that we can't get a result at Ibrox by using players who are good on the ball?

Both Levitt and Hoilett have been terrific and Gray might go with the same but he could also change a couple of things if he feels he needs too.

I know your not particularly keen on Campbell as the majority of your posts would suggest and the game you picked out about not stringing 2 passes together isn’t really looking at the bigger picture…

Since the Aberdeen game Campbell has started 11 times I think on the good run we are on , scoring against Ross County , Motherwell which put the results beyond question, scoring twice against Celtic in our 2-1 win as well as playing his part in wins against Hertz twice , Aberdeen etc .

Wither Gray makes a couple of changes or not time will tell . Whatever team he picks hopefully we get a result which is the most important thing.

[Ribs1875]

Need to do what St Mirren done to them, frustrate them keep possession and let them make their mistakes. No doubt they will get a penalty.

[Shrekko]

Both Levitt and Hoilett have been terrific and Gray might go with the same but he could also change a couple of things if he feels he needs too.

I know your not particularly keen on Campbell as the majority of your posts would suggest and the game you picked out about not stringing 2 passes together isn’t really looking at the bigger picture…

Since the Aberdeen game Campbell has started 11 times I think on the good run we are on , scoring against Ross County , Motherwell which put the results beyond question, scoring twice against Celtic in our 2-1 win as well as playing his part in wins against Hertz twice , Aberdeen etc .

Wither Gray makes a couple of changes or not time will tell . Whatever team he picks hopefully we get a result which is the most important thing.

You keep harping back to my posts about Campbell from earlier in the season (and if you're honest, he WAS playing poorly), when I've been more than happy to acknowledge his recent much better contributions. It's called being balanced and judging on merit. I'm not one of those who would rather be proved right that a player is poor than watch Hibs do well. I'm happy enough with Campbell at present.

I wasn't actually laying everything (or anything really) on Josh regarding our midfield performance at Celtic Park, just saying I don't agree with the notion that we automatically need to assume we can only counter Rangers by having as many busy players in midfield as we can. We're now a team that's good on the ball and playing with confidence, and at the moment Hoillet and Levitt are highly instrumental in that - like a few players they've had to play their way back in to the team, but I'd say it would be incredibly harsh to drop either.

There may well be a role for Campbell and/or NMW on Saturday but don't think it'll be at the expense of Hoillet or Levitt - that's all I'm saying.

[Donegal Hibby]

You keep harping back to my posts about Campbell from earlier in the season (and if you're honest, he WAS playing poorly), when I've been more than happy to acknowledge his recent much better contributions. It's called being balanced and judging on merit. I'm not one of those who would rather be proved right that a player is poor than watch Hibs do well. I'm happy enough with Campbell at present.

I wasn't actually laying everything (or anything really) on Josh regarding our midfield performance at Celtic Park, just saying I don't agree with the notion that we automatically need to assume we can only counter Rangers by having as many busy players in midfield as we can. We're now a team that's good on the ball and playing with confidence, and at the moment Hoillet and Levitt are highly instrumental in that - like a few players they've had to play their way back in to the team, but I'd say it would be incredibly harsh to drop either.

There may well be a role for Campbell and/or NMW on Saturday but don't think it'll be at the expense of Hoillet or Levitt - that's all I'm saying.

I not harping about anything but there is a pattern in your posts when referring to Campbell in it’s generally a negative take you have on the player as seen in the Josh Campbell thread in numerous posts. Of course earlier this season he was playing poorly at times but was there many that wasn’t ? As we seen numerous players making individual errors, getting sent off , giving away penalties etc …

Some of the stuff said on the player is actually well balanced and fair and then there’s the other stuff that’s completely off the Richter scale in he’s “ GOT A HEART OF A MOUSE “ , PLAYERS LIKE CAMPBELL NOT ONLY STARTING BUT PLAYING 90 MINUTES THEN WE ARE TOTALLY DOOMED.. show this ! …

I think it would harsh to drop them too and it wouldn’t be Levitt that Campbell would come in for IMO , it would be Hoilett . Gray might very well go with the same again but where I was coming from is , I agree with you about we are a team that’s good on the ball with Levitt and Hoilett in it though how much of the ball will we have there , what pressure will we be under at times when we might possibly need a bit more graft , energy as a option shouldn’t be dismissed either …

I’m not saying these changes should be made but at least they are there if Gray feels that they might be more beneficial for this type of game ..

Btw I’m not having a go at you personally I just find some of the stuff aimed at one of our players in particular OTT at times 👍

[Lago]

Agree. The only decision to be made, IMO, is who comes in for Myko. But this is very much a game where we need to be looking to get on the ball and play IMO.
I've obviously not been paying attention re Myko, is he injured?

[andrew70]

Need to keep the ball well and use it with purpose at Ibrox so for that reason Levitt and Hoilett remain in the team for me.

In fact the team should remain the same as previous with Bowie in for Myk.

[supermcginn]

Levitt and Hoillet have been terrific in our last 2 games. I cannot see any justification in even contemplating dropping them.

We had all the 'energy' in midfield against Celtic in the cup and couldn't string 2 passes together. Not sure why we have to assume that we can't get a result at Ibrox by using players who are good on the ball?

Couldn't agree more, the last thing you need at Ibrox is players that are poor on ball and struggle to retain possession, we need to try and play some football and get the crowd turning on them.

[B.H.F.C]

I've obviously not been paying attention re Myko, is he injured?

No, but I thought he was miles off it on Saturday.

Rest of the team picks itself I think.

[Hibernian Verse]

Smith

Cadden
Miller
Rocky
Iredale
Obita

Triantis
NMW
Levitt

Boyle
Bowie

Job done

[Lago]

No, but I thought he was miles off it on Saturday.

Rest of the team picks itself I think.
OK understand, have to admit I'm not his biggest supporter, been an unproductive season for him.

[Shrekko]

I not harping about anything but there is a pattern in your posts when referring to Campbell in it’s generally a negative take you have on the player as seen in the Josh Campbell thread in numerous posts. Of course earlier this season he was playing poorly at times but was there many that wasn’t ? As we seen numerous players making individual errors, getting sent off , giving away penalties etc …

Some of the stuff said on the player is actually well balanced and fair and then there’s the other stuff that’s completely off the Richter scale in he’s “ GOT A HEART OF A MOUSE “ , PLAYERS LIKE CAMPBELL NOT ONLY STARTING BUT PLAYING 90 MINUTES THEN WE ARE TOTALLY DOOMED.. show this ! …

I think it would harsh to drop them too and it wouldn’t be Levitt that Campbell would come in for IMO , it would be Hoilett . Gray might very well go with the same again but where I was coming from is , I agree with you about we are a team that’s good on the ball with Levitt and Hoilett in it though how much of the ball will we have there , what pressure will we be under at times when we might possibly need a bit more graft , energy as a option shouldn’t be dismissed either …

I’m not saying these changes should be made but at least they are there if Gray feels that they might be more beneficial for this type of game ..

Btw I’m not having a go at you personally I just find some of the stuff aimed at one of our players in particular OTT at times 👍

Yeah it's fine - I know it's my opinion you hate and not me ;-)

I think as we've seen on some of the threads that have recently been dredged up from months earlier in the season, a lot of us were saying stuff we probably now realise was well OTT! I think at least I try to address that by giving players credit when they're playing well now. If you go way way back into my post history you'll see that I was actually a big defender of JC in his early days- it's probably symptomatic of the fact that he has been tantalisingly good at times but really disappointing at others. However he has my full support.

We had a fair amount of the ball the last time we played at Ibrox and I'm feeling good about the way Hibs are controlling games at the moment. In general I'm a sucker for players like Hoillet- I love watching him, and I'd probably say the same for Levitt at the moment. This is the SPFL though and I also know there are times when other come in and do the job in another way.

[BoomtownHibees]

Bowie in for Myko is the only change I’d like to see

[Jones28]

I'd still start Myko, Bowie has proven his worth off the bench for a few games now.

For me I'd much prefer to be bringing Bowie on at 65 minutes for Myko than the other way around.

Or, controversially, would it be an option to start them both and bring Boyle on as a sub?

Thats probably a stupid idea.

[Donegal Hibby]

Yeah it's fine - I know it's my opinion you hate and not me ;-)

I think as we've seen on some of the threads that have recently been dredged up from months earlier in the season, a lot of us were saying stuff we probably now realise was well OTT! I think at least I try to address that by giving players credit when they're playing well now. If you go way way back into my post history you'll see that I was actually a big defender of JC in his early days- it's probably symptomatic of the fact that he has been tantalisingly good at times but really disappointing at others. However he has my full support.

We had a fair amount of the ball the last time we played at Ibrox and I'm feeling good about the way Hibs are controlling games at the moment. In general I'm a sucker for players like Hoillet- I love watching him, and I'd probably say the same for Levitt at the moment. This is the SPFL though and I also know there are times when other come in and do the job in another way.

I don’t actually hate anyone’s opinion on here rather find some of them disappointing in one of our players who works extremely hard , always gives 100% and his a Hibs fan like us is often unfairly criticised…

We did have a lot of the ball in the last game at ibrox and played really well , as well as I seen us play there in recent times, matched them on shots too more or less and we were unfortunate not to take something from the game ….

A game that Campbell played 77 minutes in i might add ….. I rest my case 😉😂..

Hoilett is a baller , very clever player and even though I said he has played well recently I’m still not entirely sold on Levitt TBF …

Interesting we are discussing who should play in midfield now just shows Gray has good options if he feels the need to change things . Whatever team is picked hopefully we get something from the game 🤞

[BoomtownHibees]

Or, controversially, would it be an option to start them both and bring Boyle on as a sub?

Thats probably a stupid idea.

Yup

[Basildon Hibs]

I'd still start Myko, Bowie has proven his worth off the bench for a few games now.

For me I'd much prefer to be bringing Bowie on at 65 minutes for Myko than the other way around.

Or, controversially, would it be an option to start them both and bring Boyle on as a sub?

Thats probably a stupid idea.


I wouldn't have Myko anywhere near the team. He's murder.

[Libby Hibby]

Always got to have a fall guy, regardless of win lose or draw, this week it’s Myko.

[Broken Gnome]

Bowie's not automatically an upgrade on Myko, even if the latter is playing well below the level needed. Nothing stuck for Bowie against Killie, and he near enough fell over the ball several times on Saturday.

I reckon he's picking much the same team, knowing we're potentially strengthening our options with Bowie/Gayle/Campbell late on.

[seanshow]

Der hun have good players mid to forward because they never stand still after passing it's taken opponents by surprise and gotten them to the quarters of europa doing it, regardless of who their manager has been.
If we don't track runners from give and go's we will lose on Saturday.

Meanwhile they are crap defending when the same thing happens to them, so chances must be taken by Boyler and Bowie.

[Centre Hawf]

I wouldn't be against Myko starting and use Bowie as a 60 minute sub. As someone else posted they're likely to start two defenders who are quite rank and having Myko put himself about and give them a bit of a physical battle for an hour would hopefully help Bowie coming on with fresher legs to take advantage, similarly to how the two were used away at Dundee United.

I'm not entirely sure what I'd do with the midfield 3. I think Hoilett would start to keep control of the ball a bit better, Levitt also has been playing well but his off the ball work leaves a bit to be desired and away at Ibrox he could get punished very easily.

Keeper and back line picks itself if everyone is fit though.

[Donegal Hibby]

I wouldn't be against Myko starting and use Bowie as a 60 minute sub. As someone else posted they're likely to start two defenders who are quite rank and having Myko put himself about and give them a bit of a physical battle for an hour would hopefully help Bowie coming on with fresher legs to take advantage, similarly to how the two were used away at Dundee United.

I'm not entirely sure what I'd do with the midfield 3. I think Hoilett would start to keep control of the ball a bit better, Levitt also has been playing well but his off the ball work leaves a bit to be desired and away at Ibrox he could get punished very easily.

Keeper and back line picks itself if everyone is fit though.

I agree with what you say about the midfield and Levitt’s work rate off the ball , Levitt is alright if your going to have control of the game like we did against St Johnstone but this is an entirely different situation in we will probably be under pressure and need everyone working hard off the ball as well as on it …

Really interested in seeing if Gray makes any changes or goes with the same midfield for this one .

[PatHead]

I think Levitt's off the ball work has improved dramatically since he started to get a regular game.

Almost getting to Rocky is a car crash myth status.

A lazy argument against him.

[Centre Hawf]

I think Levitt's off the ball work has improved dramatically since he started to get a regular game.

Almost getting to Rocky is a car crash myth status.

A lazy argument against him.

I really disagree, I don't think it's even close to Rocky's myth status.

His off the ball is something that has clearly plagued him as his talent should have him starting week in week out over guys like NMW and Kwon while Newell has been out but he's struggled to hold down a place in that period.

Even stats wise you can see he struggles off the ball overall. He's routinely at the bottom of our tackle and interception stats and while some players like NMW excel more at tackling than interceptions or Campbell vice versa, he lacks in both departments. In fact even Elie Youan has him beat in both of those areas.

[worcesterhibby]

Almost getting to Rocky is a car crash myth status.

.

I think you'll find the official term used to be "bombscare" which has now been officially upgraded to "He still has a mistake in him" - This has been signed off and confirmed by BBC Sportsound. Please get your mythical status statements correct ! :greengrin

[CapitalGreen]

We should be starting our strongest XI available and that doesn’t include either Myko or Campbell.

[Donegal Hibby]

I think you'll find the official term used to be "bombscare" which has now been officially upgraded to "He still has a mistake in him" - This has been signed off and confirmed by BBC Sportsound. Please get your mythical status statements correct ! :greengrin

Read this article on the 3-3 game against Aberdeen and noticed McLaughlin has mentioned Rocky negatively in it …

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cx2wn4q148lo

[Centre Hawf]

Read this article on the 3-3 game against Aberdeen and noticed McLaughlin has mentioned Rocky negatively in it …

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cx2wn4q148lo

To be fair nothing seems that wrong in this one?

[Donegal Hibby]

To be fair nothing seems that wrong in this one?

Most players make mistakes from McCart in his OG’s , Celtic’s defending when Campbell scored his first , Butland against Dundee , list is endless .. just seems like Rocky’s is highlighted and there’s more been made of them than other players.

[Centre Hawf]

Most players make mistakes from McCart in his OG’s , Celtic’s defending when Campbell scored his first , Butland against Dundee , list is endless .. just seems like Rocky’s is highlighted and there’s more been made of them than other players.

Yeah I get that and agree but that article is talking about Hibs and Rocky Bushiri's turnaround, not McCart or Butlands errors.

I think it's fair to say he has made mistakes and teams have targeted him for majority of his time here. I don't think everything has to be seen as a dig even if it is written by that Jambo fud.

[worcesterhibby]

We are in the very unusual position of having conceded less Goals than Rangers this season. For the season as a whole they have conceded 23 while we have conceded 21. If you just look at goals conceded since the 3-3 draw with Rangers in January then it's even more startling Rangers have conceded 15 in the league since then, while we have conceded just 6. Our defence is better than theirs and if we defend well and take our chances when they come, it's a very winnable match. They are a good attacking side though and we are likely to get very few favours from the officials, so a very disciplined performance will be needed and we MUST be clinical when the chances come. I'd be tempted to play Dwight Gayle in the first half instead of Myko for that reason.

[CapitalGreen]

We are in the very unusual position of having conceded less Goals than Rangers this season. For the season as a whole they have conceded 23 while we have conceded 21. If you just look at goals conceded since the 3-3 draw with Rangers in January then it's even more startling Rangers have conceded 15 in the league since then, while we have conceded just 6. Our defence is better than theirs and if we defend well and take our chances when they come, it's a very winnable match. They are a good attacking side though and we are likely to get very few favours from the officials, so a very disciplined performance will be needed and we MUST be clinical when the chances come. I'd be tempted to play Dwight Gayle in the first half instead of Myko for that reason.

Your numbers are wrong, we have conceded 41 goals this season while Rangers have conceded 31. The numbers you have quoted are goals conceded away from home.

Rangers have only conceded 8 goals at home this season while we have conceded 21 goals away from home.

[worcesterhibby]

Your numbers are wrong, we have conceded 41 goals this season while Rangers have conceded 31. The numbers you have quoted are goals conceded away from home.

Rangers have only conceded 8 goals at home this season while we have conceded 21 goals away from home.

Apologies you are correct, thanks for putting me straight. However my stats about the games since January are true and probably more relevant

They have conceded 15 while we have only conceded 6 in that time. I still think my point holds true.

[Hibby Kay-Yay]

Rangers are safe in 2nd. They are not catching Celtic, nor are any teams below them challenging.

This is the best time to play them to get a result.

[BT58]

Lets keep our trust in SDG and his team. Weve had a few good results away from home. (Cellic apart). Weve nothing to fear and hopefully we get a draw at least.
B

[flash]

The Rangers players will have one eye on Bilbao next Thursday.

Play with intensity and focus and I doubt they will bust a gut to match us.

Cerny almost certainly missing helps too.

[Stuart93]

Be a tough game and a while since we’ve beat them at ibrox

Like others are saying, think it’s coming at a good time but we need intensity and pressure.

Hoping N. Cadden at least makes the bench. I’m still not convinced on Obita.

[B.H.F.C]

The Rangers players will have one eye on Bilbao next Thursday.

Play with intensity and focus and I doubt they will bust a gut to match us.

Cerny almost certainly missing helps too.

Hope they have but I think they’ll be up for it. Not played at home for a while and they don’t particularly like us.

I think we have a good chance though.

[Col2]

A real chance to get the result that might end up securing 3rd.

Nobody will expect us to get a result but this Rangers team leak goals and don’t seem to perform in the league unless v Celtic or in Europe.

Question: where can you watch the game? I can’t see it on PPV. And not an overseas person!

[Since90+2]

As poor as Sevco are relative to their nearest competitor they are still by a good distance the 2nd best team in the country.

We'll need to play well to get anything from the game. You do sense this team are capable of doing that though.

[Hibspur]

It's OK to lose this one, provided we follow up with a win against Dundee. Be nice to take something though.

[Trinity Hibee]

Hibs are unbeaten in their past 15 league games (W10 D5), the longest unbeaten run within a single season in the Scottish top fight in the 21st century by any side other than the Old Firm clubs. Hibs started the day of the first game in this run (14 Dec) bottom of the table, but now find themselves third.

[Donegal Hibby]

It's OK to lose this one, provided we follow up with a win against Dundee. Be nice to take something though.

Last two games they’ve played there they have lost to St Mirren and Motherwell .. As hard as a game it will be though if we play to our potential and get a rub of the green anything’s possible.

[JimBHibees]

Don Robertson isn't great but as far as refs go, he can have a decent game every now and then. Clancy on VAR gives me the absolute fear.

Edit: did we not have this combo for a game earlier in the season where Clancy tried to screw us on VAR but Robertson overruled him?

Aberdeen at home

[EGL2000]

Think we will struggle in this one. Going for something like 4-2. They create loads of chances right now but are also dreadful at the back themselves. Just hoping the goal difference doesn't take a huge beating as it's worth an extra point to us currently over the other teams.

[B.H.F.C]

Think we will struggle in this one. Going for something like 4-2. They create loads of chances right now but are also dreadful at the back themselves. Just hoping the goal difference doesn't take a huge beating as it's worth an extra point to us currently over the other teams.

I don’t think we have any reason to be fearful but have seen plenty teams, not just us, go to Glasgow in good form and full of confidence and end up with a sore one. It fires them up, their players and crowd, that bit more.

Gray is pretty pragmatic so I don’t think there is any chance we leave ourselves open to a beating. I think we have a decent chance of a result but we’ll need to play very well.

[SteveHFC]

Think we will struggle in this one. Going for something like 4-2. They create loads of chances right now but are also dreadful at the back themselves. Just hoping the goal difference doesn't take a huge beating as it's worth an extra point to us currently over the other teams.


Its a game we just need to get out of way and anything we can get would be a massive bonus as other teams around us will have us down for a defeat, we need to have a go but at same time if its going against us no point in chasing a lost cause and losing more goals.

[GloryGlory]

Think we will struggle in this one. Going for something like 4-2. They create loads of chances right now but are also dreadful at the back themselves. Just hoping the goal difference doesn't take a huge beating as it's worth an extra point to us currently over the other teams.
That's the spirit!

[B.H.F.C]

Its a game we just need to get out of way and anything we can get would be a massive bonus as other teams around us will have us down for a defeat, we need to have a go but at same time if its going against us no point in chasing a lost cause and losing more goals.

Similar to the Celtic game when we beat them at ER. That was the week when Hearts were, apparently, going to overtake us. An unexpected result here and there goes a long way.

[Centre Hawf]

I think it's as good a time as any to go play them for the reasons many have suggested, I also think we're still in great spirits and we'll be hungry to get another big scalp.

The caution would be that if this is the game that ends our unbeaten streak then lets all please not start with the "need a new X" "need an upgrade on Y" nonsense that usually follows.

[Unseen work]

Really interested to see how we approach this one.

After last week you would normally say no changes to the team.

However rangers are probably better against more open teams and struggle against the ones that sit in and counter. Earlier in the season we were really poor in the 352 and it was when we changed to 532 we got alot more joy.

Levitt and Hoilett as 2 if your middle 3 at ibrox is a big ask too

I wonder if we’ll see changes and he’ll go

…….……………..Smith………….

Cadden Miller Rocky Iredale Cadden

……Campbell…Triantis…NMW……..

……………..Boyle……Bowie/Hoilett

Would be ridiculously harsh to drop anyone, especially Hoilett and Levitt after last weekend as they were brilliant. But he might think we need to get closer to the rangers players all over the pitch and Bowie will be able to rag doll their centre backs.

[B.H.F.C]

Really interested to see how we approach this one.

After last week you would normally say no changes to the team.

However rangers are probably better against more open teams and struggle against the ones that sit in and counter. Earlier in the season we were really poor in the 352 and it was when we changed to 532 we got alot more joy.

Levitt and Hoilett as 2 if your middle 3 at ibrox is a big ask too

I wonder if we’ll see changes and he’ll go

…….……………..Smith………….

Cadden Miller Rocky Iredale Cadden

……Campbell…Triantis…NMW……..

……………..Boyle……Bowie/Hoilett

Would be ridiculously harsh to drop anyone, especially Hoilett and Levitt after last weekend as they were brilliant. But he might think we need to get closer to the rangers players all over the pitch and Bowie will be able to rag doll their centre backs.

I think Gray is good at not overthinking things and changing things for the sake of changing. I don’t think he’ll change too much and I don’t think he’ll leave players out who have been playing well.

I think the only change will be Myko dropping out. Who comes in will dictate how we set up I think. Bowie, straight swap and do what we’ve done the last couple of weeks. Or I wouldn’t be surprised if he brought Campbell back in and played him behind Boyle and Hoilett. It’s went a bit under the radar but the shape has tweaked slightly in the last couple of games with Hoilett and Boyle playing off a central striker rather than Hoilett just playing where Campbell had been, something Gray referenced after the game last week. I think it has worked well although accept Ibrox is a different challenge.

[007 Mickey Weir]

I think Campbell will come in for Hoilett. He seems to play well against the to Glasgow teams. That’s only change I see. He might swap Miko and Bowie. But have a feeling he won’t

[Ronniekirk]

Similar to the Celtic game when we beat them at ER. That was the week when Hearts were, apparently, going to overtake us. An unexpected result here and there goes a long way.

Everyone knows it’s going to end sometime it’s how we respond in the next game after that will be crucial
But gers have been shipping two goals a game fairly regularly but then managing to out score teams so let’s give it a go

[He's here!]

Last two games they’ve played there they have lost to St Mirren and Motherwell .. As hard as a game it will be though if we play to our potential and get a rub of the green anything’s possible.

That kind of makes me think it's less likely we'll pick up any points, although with this Rangers side it's hard to know.

The bigger game for us is against Dundee.

[Gmack7]

Well have to beat them if we want to catch them, get it done😀

[Donegal Hibby]

That kind of makes me think it's less likely we'll pick up any points, although with this Rangers side it's hard to know.

The bigger game for us is against Dundee.

They are creating plenty of chances but at the same time over the last four games they’ve lost nine goals . I know some folk don’t like the term “ a free hit “ but that’s how I look on it . If we defend well I honestly think we have a chance of coming away with something, won’t be easy though.

[Since452]

It's got banana skin written all over this one. We'll need to be careful that we don't slip up by coming away with a draw or worse. It's a cup final for Rangers this so we'll need to match their desire.

[Montford]

A real chance to get the result that might end up securing 3rd.

Nobody will expect us to get a result but this Rangers team leak goals and don’t seem to perform in the league unless v Celtic or in Europe.

Question: where can you watch the game? I can’t see it on PPV. And not an overseas person!

Fawanews.com
Best ‘free’ streaming site
Zero buffering


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[flash]

Everybody available bar Elie and Joe Newell which is pretty good at this stage of the season.

[GreenPJ]

I think Campbell will come in for Hoilett. He seems to play well against the to Glasgow teams. That’s only change I see. He might swap Miko and Bowie. But have a feeling he won’t

Bowie looked as if he was struggling for fitness against St Johnstone - the minutes will have done him good but can't see anyway he would start (although Miko has not really been effective in any of the games he has played but we need someone with a physical presence up there to complement Boyle)

[Thatdayinmay16]

As poor as Sevco are relative to their nearest competitor they are still by a good distance the 2nd best team in the country.

We'll need to play well to get anything from the game. You do sense this team are capable of doing that though.

Are they though? I suspect the investment from the 49ers will ensure they are just that, but if hibs hadn't dropped as many points from winning positions as we have had this season, we'd be above them.

Had it not also been for Aberdeen's absolute capitulation, they would also be above them. I think this and last year they've certainly been there for the taking, just consistency escapes other teams out with Celtic/Rangers

[flash]

Are they though? I suspect the investment from the 49ers will ensure they are just that, but if hibs hadn't dropped as many points from winning positions as we have had this season, we'd be above them.

Had it not also been for Aberdeen's absolute capitulation, they would also be above them. I think this and last year they've certainly been there for the taking, just consistency escapes other teams out with Celtic/Rangers
We are 18 points behind them so not entirely sure your theory stacks up.

[Donegal Hibby]

Are they though? I suspect the investment from the 49ers will ensure they are just that, but if hibs hadn't dropped as many points from winning positions as we have had this season, we'd be above them.

Had it not also been for Aberdeen's absolute capitulation, they would also be above them. I think this and last year they've certainly been there for the taking, just consistency escapes other teams out with Celtic/Rangers

As poor as they are at times this season they still have players that are better than quality than the rest of us , players that Hibs , hertz and Aberdeen would and never will be able to afford..

I can’t see anyone now or in the future splitting the OF sadly.

[Shrekko]

if hibs hadn't dropped as many points from winning positions as we have had this season, we'd be above them.



Or if we hadn't gained as many from losing positions we'd be even further behind them.....

These assertions are just mental on so many levels.

[Centre Hawf]

Are they though? I suspect the investment from the 49ers will ensure they are just that, but if hibs hadn't dropped as many points from winning positions as we have had this season, we'd be above them.

Had it not also been for Aberdeen's absolute capitulation, they would also be above them. I think this and last year they've certainly been there for the taking, just consistency escapes other teams out with Celtic/Rangers

I think the difference is that this Rangers team is under performing, some would argue this Hibs team is currently over performing. It's all well and good to say if we didn't drop points we'd be above them, but if they didn't they'd have won the league.

[Thatdayinmay16]

We are 18 points behind them so not entirely sure your theory stacks up.

We'd be 2 points above them had we not dropped the amount of points we had from winning positions.

[flash]

We'd be 2 points above them had we not dropped the amount of points we had from winning positions.

We would be top if we had won every game too apparently.

[Hibernian Verse]

All you can really go on is current form, and we're absolutely capable of getting a point or three tomorrow on that basis.

[Tambo]

Really looking forward to this game, and any point would be a bonus.

[Basildon Hibs]

Don't forget, we'll be up against the Hun officials and the GFA appointed VAR team...

[Hibees1973]

Tomorrow will be rigorous test.

Us and Aberdeen have Rangers on consecutive weekends.

Aberdeen have the advantage over us in that they play Rangers at home next week and Rangers will have played a European game prior to next week. For tomorrow will Rangers have an eye on Thursday against Bilbao with Ferguson keeping some players fresh.

Odds are on a Rangers win, but it's vital we maintain the goal difference advantage over the teams below us. At present it's worth an extra point.

[AmericanKev]

Rangers are shipping goals but also scoring a lot. Not sure about ibrox though

[Pagan Hibernia]

Let's be honest a draw would be a fantastic result.

Every one of our rivals for 3rd place will have picked out this weekend as the one guarantee where they can make up 3 points on us. Anything at all for us, even a point, will upset them and keep our momentum going.

If we can win.. dare I say it, third is almost within reach.

[MacGruber]

Sounds very much like Newell's season is over. Hopefully can get fit for a good pre season.

[Hibees1973]

Sounds very much like Newell's season is over. Hopefully can get fit for a good pre season.

Indeed,

Possibly also keeping N Cadden under wraps untll the post split games.

Youan, who knows.

[HoboHarry]

Let's get in about those Govan tramps. Love to see us leather them.

[Keith_M]

It's highly likely that, after today's games, Aberdeen will have overtaken us and moved back into third.

I just hope there's no meltdown if/when that happens. They play Rangers next week so we'll most likely see those roles reversed.

[Unseen work]

Hoilett, despite his lack of defensive attributes, could be absolutely key for us at Ibrox.

Will keep the ball under pressure, get us up the pitch and put his foot on the ball.

Really tough call for SDG and is one that if we lose fans will say the opposite of what he picked, managers have a tough gig 🤣

[Chorley Hibee]

Few of us Glasgow (West of Scotland) based Hibees enjoying a few pints in the Lismore in Partick before the game and then walking to Ibrox.

Any others around the area are more than welcome to join us.

[danhibees1875]

We would be top if we had won every game too apparently.

Thats huge, if true.

[Unseen work]

No changes

Brave lineup

Myk still starting can only be down to Bowie’s fitness, just not done enough lately - hopefully proves me wrong today

[HH81]

Strong bench today too.
Mon Hibs.

[DinkyTwo]

Cerny and Igamane both starting for der hun.

They will score at least one, so we will have to be right in their faces from the start

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[GreenCastle]

No changes

Brave lineup

Myk still starting can only be down to Bowie’s fitness, just not done enough lately - hopefully proves me wrong today

Myko could have had x3 goals last week. Least he’s getting in right areas just needs them to go in.

Bowie we know is class but really good option to bring off the bench.

Good to see N.Cadden back - such an important player in the squad.

Rangers going pretty full strength which looks like a 4-3-3.

[S4uzee]

Would’ve preferred Bowie. Strong rangers line up

[Thatdayinmay16]

We would be top if we had won every game too apparently.

Not sure what your implying, if you had bothered to take the time to read what I had said, It was simply that if hibs hadn't chucked away games we were winning we'd be sitting 2nd and that would disprove the OP saying Rangers "are by far the 2nd best team in the league".

Which based on Saturdays evidence, is far from the truth. :Awright!: