Match Preview | RCFC v Hibs

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 overcoming relegation rivals, Kilmarnock, last weekend, County face a steep challenge in facing 3^rd placed Hibernian. However, the Staggies have been no stranger to pulling off upsets to top 6 clubs in recent months

Opposition Focus

The Hibees currently take up 3^rd place in the Scottish Premiership table, 16 points behind Celtic in 2^nd place, who occupy a UEFA Champions League Qualifying spot.

After winning 4 matches in a row over late January and February, Hibs were closing in on Celtic in 2^nd spot, but the Easter Road club have recently fallen victim to 2 defeats in a row to Motherwell and St Johnstone.

Saturday’s visitors have not found the net in 2 matches but have generally been in good goalscoring form this season. Kevin Nisbet and Martin Boyle have scored 11 and 10 goals respectively, making them the joint 2^nd and 3^rd top goal scorers in the Scottish Premiership.

In fact, only Rangers and Celtic have scored more and conceded less than Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership this season.

When Hibs suffered a 2-0 defeat the last time they faced Ross County, their loss was preceded by a 1-0 defeat away from home the previous week. Jack Ross’s side lost 1-0 away from home last weekend… could history repeat itself?

Ross County Focus

County sit in 10^th position in the Scottish Premiership, 4 points clear of bottom side Kilmarnock, with a game in hand.

A win for the Staggies could further consolidate their position in 10^th place and move them 7 points clear of Killie, who do not have a fixture this weekend.

John Hughes’s side sought off Kilmarnock last weekend in a 3-2 relegation rollercoaster. Kyle Lafferty put the visitors ahead before a brace from Billy McKay and a first professional goal for Leo Hjelde limited Lafferty’s late penalty to a consolation.

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.

The match will of course be played on 13^th March; exactly 5 years on from Ross County’s famous 2-1 win over the Edinburgh side in the 2016 League Cup Final!

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.