Match Preview - Hibernian (A)

It is again another quick midweek turnaround for Malky Mackay, and his players and we face another long trip down the A9 to take on Hibernian in Edinburgh. Following on from a disappointing 3-3 draw at Fir Park – the Staggies will be looking to bounce back to winning ways against the capital side on this outing.

Hibernian

After parting ways with Lee Johnson, 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, the Hibees have won two matches in the league. They have also drawn four and lost four – so have had a very mixed start to the season.

The Staggies are just one point behind Hibernian, who have the worst defensive record in the league.

Hibs will be disappointed with their start to the campaign – however, they have begun to show their qualities in an attacking 4-4-2 formation.

Montgomery has unleashed some of Hibernian's attacking quality, managing to fit Boyle Youane, Vente and Le Fondre in what appears to be an interchangeable front four.

Player to Watch

Singing in the summer from Roda JC Kerkrade, Dylan Vente has quickly become a fans favourite at Hibernian, with some sufficing that he might be the perfect placement for departed Kevin Nisbet.

The Dutch striker has netted two goals the season in the Premiership – but it is his overall play and work ethic which has really 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.

Ross County

After a lengthy layoff from international matches and bad weather, the Staggies are back up and running and we have picked up two draws in our last two matches.

A 0-0 draw in Dundee could have been three points if it weren’t for VAR – however, that result is still a very positive point on the road.

From Tuesday to Saturday Fir Park was our next destination. In a match where Malky altered our shape back to a back four. That change was largely successful and brought goals to the fore in what turned out to be a disappointing 3-3 draw.

An away point nonetheless to add to our tally, with plenty of positives to be had, including Eamonn Brophy scoring his first league goal since permanently signing for the club.

Hibs are very close to us Staggies in the league table, so this fixture provides a great chance to get back to winning ways.

Player to Watch

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

He managed to get on the league scoresheet on Saturday in Motherwell, finishing past Liam Kelly with a powerful strike.

Although not being in the team so consistently, Brophy showed exactly what he can bring from a starting situation – and that would suggest that grabbing his goal will be more than enough to see him in good contention for a starting jersey at Easter Road.

Brophy has partnered with Jordan White most often; however, he made a fresh – and successful – partnership with Simon Murray at the top end. Both are strikers capable of mixing it up with hold-up play or being able to go over the top and run in behind.

Previous Encounters

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

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

Familiar Faces

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

League Cup and Championship winner 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

Will Nightingale could be back in contention for the Staggies as he recovers from a thigh strain.

Josh Sims suffered a setback in training but could be back-involved soon.

Ben Paton and Ross Callachan remain out.

Ticket Information

Tickets for this match are on sale direct from Hibernian here: Event Information ScreenHibernian FC Online Ticket Hub (eticketing.co.uk)

They are priced as follows:

Adults: £10

All other ticket types: £5

E-Tickets can be purchased right up until kick-off on Tuesday evening.