Tickets
Match Preview: RCFC v Hibs
12/02/2021
Ross County will host Hibernian at the Global Energy Stadium this weekend as John Hughes looks to do the double over his former club.
The ex-Hibs manager and player got his first victory as Ross County boss when his side ran out 2-0 victors at Easter Road in December. After losing to an out-of-form Dundee United last weekend, County face an even steeper challenge in 3rd-placed Hibernian. However, the Staggies have been no stranger to pulling off upsets to top 6 clubs in recent weeks.
Opposition Focus
The Hibees currently take up 3rd place in the Scottish Premiership table, 9 points behind Celtic in 2nd place, who occupy a UEFA Champions League Qualifying spot.
A win over County could close that gap to 6 points and edge Hibs closer to the UEFA Champions League spots; a competition they have never taken part in since they reached the original European Cup semi-final in 1956.
After consecutive defeats to St Johnstone and Rangers in the league cup and league respectively, Hibs bounced back with 3 victories in a row over Dundee United, St Mirren and Aberdeen.
After 3 wins over top 6 clubs (at the time the fixtures were played), Jack Ross’s side have crucially regained form that saw them take back 3rd spot in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since 23 December 2020.
Excluding the Old Firm, Hibs have scored the most and conceded the least amount of goals in the Scottish Premiership this season with striker, Kevin Nisbet, holding joint second place in the top scorers table with 11 goals.
WATCH ALL THE ACTION FROM 2.25pm THIS SATURDAY ON RCFCTV! ORDER YOUR PAY-PER-VIEW HERE
Ross County Focus
County sit in 11th position in the Scottish Premiership, 3 points clear of bottom side Hamilton, who have 2 games in hand.
A win for the Staggies could lift them above Kilmarnock and into 10th place, if newly-appointed manager Tommy Wright can’t inspire a shock victory for Killie at Ibrox on the same night.
John Hughes’s side slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Dundee United last weekend, failing to back up their impressive 2-1 victory over relegation rivals, Hamilton Academical, from midweek. The struggling Terrors snatched 3 points thanks to goals from Lawrence Shankland and Ryan Edwards after an hour of County dominance.
If County avoid defeat, they will go unbeaten against Hibs this season after a goalless draw at home in October, and of course, the 2-0 victory at Easter Road in December. The only other sides to avoid defeat to the Hibees this season thus far are Rangers and Celtic.
Last Match
John Hughes clinched his first win as Ross County boss in December as his side defeated his former club, Hibernian, 2-0 at Easter Road!
Goals from Harry Paton and ex-Hibs striker, Oli Shaw, helped County to their first league win since September and lifted them off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
