Ross Countyvs.Hibernian

The Staggies are hoping to bounce back after their 120th-minute elimination from the Scottish Cup last time out, while Hibs will be looking to make it three wins in a row this weekend.

Match preview

With 10 games to go until the Scottish top flight splits, Don Cowie's Ross County are in 10th place with 25 points, four behind the visitors.

Prior to their defeat in the Scottish Cup, the Staggies were beaten 4-1 at home by Celtic in their last league match, though the Bhoys needed three goals after the 80-minute mark to deny County a share of the spoils.

It has been said that that result did not do justice to Cowie's side's performance, but it did end a four-game unbeaten streak - a run that included three wins and one draw - that earned them 40 percent of their points this term.

On the other hand, only bottom club St Johnstone have conceded more goals than County this season, and it would be fair to say that their weak defence has cost them points throughout the campaign.

This weekend, the Staggies come into the game having lost consecutive matches across all competitions, and will be hoping to bounce back in order to avoid slipping into the type of form that saw them lose four in a row between late November and December.

Meanwhile, David Gray's Hibernian have not lost any of their last eight matches, winning seven and drawing two in a stretch that goes back to a 3-1 comeback victory over Saturday's hosts on December 14.

That win was just Hibs' third of the entire season, and not only lifted them off the bottom of the table, but marked a major turning point in what was looking like a particularly tough campaign.

The visitors have now made it all the way into the top half of the Scottish Premiership, and will be keen to keep up their momentum in order to stay in the top six ahead of the league's split.

Hibernian have lost just one of their last five away games, winning three and drawing the other, and their singular loss in that period was against runaway league-leaders Celtic back in early December.

To add to this, Gray's side should draw confidence from the fact that they have scored the third-most goals in the top half, and will feel capable of securing all three points against one of the division's leakiest defences.

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

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Ross County form (all competitions):

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

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Hibernian form (all competitions):

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Team News

Ross County have doubts about the fitness of striker Alex Samuel, who has been dealing with a thigh issue.

As a result, Jordan White and Ronan Hale should start in a partnership up front, while James Brown and George Harmon will offer assistance from out wide.

Elsewhere, on-loan Hibs man Nohan Kenneh will not be eligible to play against his parent club, and Connor Randall could patrol the middle of the park alongside Joshua Nisbet and Noah Chilvers.

As for Hibernian, they will be missing forward Kieron Bowie, who is out with a hamstring injury and is not expected back in action until early next month.

For Saturday's clash, boss Gray is likely to start Martin Boyle and Dwight Gayle up top, and the duo will be supported by Josh Campbell.

The visitors are also without left-midfielder Nicky Cadden, who was withdrawn with an injury in the first half of his side's win over Motherwell.

In his absence, the manager should select Jordan Obita to take his place in the XI.

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Amissah; Wright, Lopata, Campbell; Brown, Chilvers, Randall, Nisbet, Harmon; White, Hale

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Smith; O'Hora, Kiranga, Iredale; C Cadden, Triantis, Levitt, Obita; Campbell, Boyle, Gayle

We say: Ross County 1-2 Hibernian

Ross County may have lost their last two games, but their performances have been better than the results show, and considering their prior form, they could put up a strong fight this weekend.

Written by

Anthony Nolan

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