Hibernianvs.Motherwell

As for the visitors, they make the visit to Easter Road holding a one-point advantage over the home side, as well as trailing seventh by the same margin.

Match preview

Nick Montgomery reiterated at the weekend that he retains the support of the Hibs board having been naturally quizzed on matters after the defeat to Aberdeen.

Not only did the Edinburgh-based side allow their opponents to move past them in the table and into eighth place, they succumbed by a 4-0 scoreline.

Hibs have now lost four of their last six matches, collecting four points from the other two games, to now sit down in ninth place in the table.

A six-match undefeated streak preceding that should not be ignored, but this is now a team that has won just four of their last 19 matches in the top flight.

Although a trip to already-relegated Livingston is still to come, it may be a meeting with one of their rivals for seventh that will ultimately decide whether Montgomery remains at the helm.

Opposite number Stuart Kettlewell has also required some backing this season, Motherwell incredibly having won just once in 19 matches at one stage.

Rather than react, Motherwell's hierarchy retained his services and have since been rewarded, with just four league defeats being posted in 16 games since the turn of the year.

That includes a run of five wins from nine matches, Motherwell recently scoring nine times in victories over Livingston and Ross County.

No clean sheet in 12 matches remains an issue, yet the solitary focus is on trying to achieve seventh place - which would match last season's finish - by any means necessary.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

D

W

L

L

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

D

W

D

L

W

W

Team News

Montgomery will inevitably make changes to his Hibs XI with Dylan Levitt and Josh Campbell both in line for recalls.

Adam Le Fondre could also be restored to the starting lineup, but Luke Amos may have to remain patient given his recent return to the fold.

Goalkeeper David Marshall was supposed to be involved on Sunday, yet missed out, but the veteran stopper could be recalled here.

Kettlewell may choose to stick with the Motherwell starting lineup from the weekend, although his side were only 2-1 up at Ross County before changes were made.

Three further goals were scored, Davor Zdravkovski and Harry Paton both contributing, and they are in contention to replace either or both of Andrew Halliday and Sam Nicholson.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Cadden, Bushiri, Hanlon, Obita; Levitt, Newell; Campbell, Marcondes, Maolida; Le Fondre

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; Casey, McGinn, Blaney; O'Donnell, Halliday, Miller, Gent; Paton, Spittal; Bair

We say: Hibernian 1-2 Motherwell

With Montgomery coming under increasing pressure, he will hope that his players can deliver when he may require a win to keep his job. However, we are backing the visitors to battle their way to success, guaranteeing a minimum of eighth spot in the process.

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