Preview: Ross County vs. Hibernian - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the visitors sit in fifth position in the standings, their hosts are in 11th spot, despite collecting four points from their last two fixtures.

Match preview

With Hibs having recently put together a run of nine defeats in 11 top-flight fixtures, it would have been easy for the club's hierarchy to have parted ways with Lee Johnson.

However, the Edinburgh-based side have responded with their best period of form since the start of October, picking up seven points from their last three fixtures.

The form of Kevin Nisbet proved decisive in the games against Motherwell and Dundee United, but it was a ruthless team performance that ensured that Aberdeen were defeated by a 6-0 scoreline on Saturday.

On the back of losing to rivals Hearts in the Scottish Cup, Hibs took advantage of their opponent's dismal form to give their campaign another kick-start.

Nevertheless, with the top two not to come in their next four outings, Hibs must continue this run of form if they want to make a bid to catch third-placed Hearts, who are in control of the Europa League qualification spot.

From Ross County's perspective, it is all about trying to stay in the Scottish top flight after losing 13 of their 23 matches this campaign.

On a positive note, however, they have earned five points from their most recent four games, ending a seven-match winless streak on Saturday by easing past relegation rivals Kilmarnock.

That result represented the second time this season that Ross County had beat that opponent at Victoria Park, and it is currently the difference between the Staggies sitting in 11th rather than being bottom.

With three top-six teams to come in succession, Malky Mackay knows that could change in the short term, yet he and his squad will relish the chance of playing without the pressure that was on their shoulders at the weekend.

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

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Ross County form (all competitions):

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Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

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Hibernian form (all competitions):

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Team News

Given their routine win at the weekend, Mackay will likely look to name the same Ross County XI for this encounter.

Mackay was able to rest key men from the 65th minute onwards, so regulars such as Jordan Tillson and David Cancola look destined to remain among the replacements.

Johnson finds himself in an almost identical position, the temptation being to name an unchanged Hibs starting lineup.

However, it would not come as a surprise if Nisbet returned to the team to replace Elie Youan down the middle of the attack.

Youan may be redeployed on the left flank in place of Aiden McGeady, depending on whether Johnson wishes to hand the 36-year-old a rest.

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Watson, Baldwin, Iacovitti; Randall, Callachan, Kenneh, Harmon; Dhanda; Brophy, White

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Cadden, Fish, Hanlon, Stevenson; McKirdy, Newell, Jeggo, Campbell, McGeady; Nisbet

We say: Ross County 1-2 Hibernian

With both teams starting to show form that they have rarely produced in recent months, this is a difficult match to call. Nevertheless, we have to side with Hibs, who have shown what they are capable of in front of goal and are motivated to strengthen their hold of a top-six position.

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