Match Preview - Hibernian (H)

By Peter Mackay

The Staggies are back on home soil in a rescheduled match to take on the team we most recently played, Hibernian. Don Cowie has seen his side in better form when having the advantage of a home crowd, and he will be hoping for more of the same when the capital side travels north for the 7:45 kick-off.

Hibernian

After parting ways with Lee Jonhson, Hibernian have somewhat turned their fortunes around. Despite losing their opening three matches of the season – Nick Montgomery has arrived in Leith from Australia and stamped his authority on the side.

Since Montgomery has arrived, he has the Edinburgh side sitting with the top six – having won eight matches and drawn ten.

Hibs have been very proficient at the top end of the park of late, with the January arrivals of Myziane Maolida and Emiliano Marcondes, in particular, boosting the attack.

Montgomery has unleashed some of Hibernian's attacking quality, having the challenge of fitting Boyle, Youane, Vente, Jair, Marcondes, Maolida and Le Fondre in what is an attack filled with a plethora of quality options.

Hibs will maybe be slightly disappointed with their league position – however, they have begun to show their qualities in recent weeks and could still look to catch Derek McInnes’ flying Killie side.

Player to Watch

Singing in the summer from Roda JC Kerkrade, Dylan Vente has quickly become a popular figure at Hibernian, with some sufficing that he might eventually step up to be the perfect placement for Kevin Nisbet.

The Dutch striker has netted four goals the season in the Premiership – but it is his overall play and work ethic which has taken the eye of the green and white support.

His finishing and movement make him a danger for our backline – despite him not having the highest goal tally this season.

Vente came through the Feyenoord youth setup and went on to score seven goals for the club. Hibs new number nine is also a former Netherlands youth international.

The striker, who has found himself in and out of the team in recent weeks, also has three assists this season – which shows the interchangeability of this Hibs attack.

Ross County

The Staggies suffered a 2-0 loss at Easter Road last weekend, which was followed by a weekend off due to cup action.

That time off would have been valuable for the gaffer Don Cowie, who is always looking for ways to better his side on the training park.

His side find themselves in a slightly precarious position, being six points clear of bottom place Livingston.

The goal for now is to be looking upwards and to try and drag another side into the relegation battle, and a positive result against Hibernian would go a long way in doing so.

After what was a tight game with little chances, the Staggies will hopefully have sussed out a way to breakthrough this Hibernian defence.

Player to Watch

Since joining the club on loan in January last season, Eamonn Brophy’s quality in front of goal has shone through.

Although not being in the team so consistently, Brophy has shown exactly what he can bring from a starting situation since Don Cowie has taken over – and I would suggest that his recent performances will be more than enough to see him in good contention for a starting jersey at the Global Energy Stadium.

Brophy has partnered with Simon Murray most often, however, played alongside Jordan White last time out. Both are strikers capable of mixing it up with hold-up play or being able to go over the top and run in behind. Don has recently used all three players in a narrow attacking front three, which could be the key to causing Nick Montgomery’s sides some issues.

Eamonn will be eager to add to his three goals this season, and I’m sure all the Staggies supporters would love to see that celebration lifted high on Wednesday night.

Previous Encounters

Our record against Hibernian in recent times is positive, with some matches that will forever stick in our memory.

As mentioned earlier, last time out Hibernian ran out two nil victors in Edinburgh in a closely contested tie.

Last campaign, County picked up a huge three points before the World Cup break. It was a rigid performance from Malky’s side, with George Harmon and Alex Iacovitti scoring to secure all three points.

Last season in the home fixture, Yan Dhanda netted directly from a corner to rescue a point for Ross County on a blustery winter night.

In a Scottish Cup quarter-final fixture in 2010, the Staggies punched above their weight to claim a 2-2 draw at Easter Road, roared on by what was a magnificent 1,600-strong Ross County support.

Memorable Match

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeyINDBsojM

Familiar Faces

There are two current Ross County players who are former Hibees. Simon Murray and Ross Laidlaw were both on the books of the Edinburgh side earlier in their careers.

League Cup and Championship winning hero Brian Graham is a popular name to have played for both sides – as well as Liam Fontaine who also won the 2018/19 Championship title in Dingwall.

Sam Morrow, Ivan Sproule, Martin Scott and Jason Naismith are some other memorable players who both spent time in the Staggie blue and the green of Hibernian.

Team News

Connor Randall and Yan Dhanda are back fit and return to the squad for this clash.

Simon Murray is back in contention following an illness.

Ross Callachan, Scott Allardice, Will Nightingale and Dylan Smith all remain out.

Ticket/PPV Information

Tickets can be purchased from the following link: Ross County FC vs Hibernian - MyProVenue™ (tickets.com)

PPV is available from the following link: https://ppv.rosscountyfootballclub.co.uk/

Refereeing Team

Referee: David Munro

AR1: Calum Spence

AR2: Sean Carr

Fourth Official: Peter Stuart

VAR: Grant Irvine

AVAR: Alan Mulvanny