First team
Match Preview - Hibernian (H)
29/10/2024
Ross County are at home for the second Williiam Hill Premiership match in a row as we welcome Hibernian on their journey north from the capital.
Kick-off is a 7:45 for this Wednesday evening clash under the lights.
Ross County
The Staggies bounced back from a loss on the road in Perth to maintain their incredibly strong home form under gaffer Don Cowie.
County defeated Kilmarnock by two goals to one in a hotly contested tie.
The squad showed great character by grabbing the win despite first going one nil down via a Corrie Ndaba strike from the edge of the box.
Killie midfielder Liam Donnelly was brandished a red card, allowing County to go all out for the three points.
A Joe Wright own goal sealed the win for us following on from a fantastic, swivelled volley from striker Jordan White.
That big win sees us rise to seventh place in the Premiership – four points ahead of visitors Hibernian.
Only the top two teams in the league season, Aberdeen and Celtic, have left Dingwall with all three points.
Here’s hoping we continue that feat when 12th placed Hibernian visit.
Player to Watch
He was at the centre of everything County did going forward at the weekend, and despite not being a constant fixture in the XI so far this season, Noah Chilvers will be hoping his eye-catching performance cements his place in the team.
The summer signing has incredible ability with the ball at his feet in tight spaces, and he seems to be able to find himself in space with his quick feet and clever tricks.
The former Colchester skipper had 82% pass accuracy last time out and was also the most fouled player in the match.
He is a real creative spark and could hold the key to unlocking Hibernian’s defence.
Hibernian
Hibs have had a very unexpected start to their league campaign, sitting bottom of the Premiership.
Club legend David Gray took over in the summer, with former Ross County boss Malky Mackay taking a seat upstairs as Sporting Director.
The Cabbage has won on one occasion this season, a two-nil win over St Johnstone.
With a further three draws, the capital side has six points to their name.
However, they did achieve a positive 1-1 draw in the Edinburgh derby against Hearts where Mykola Kukharevych netted for the green side.
Player to Watch
Well-known figure in English football, Junior Hoilett, has transitioned smoothly to the Scottish game ever since Neil Warnock brought him to the league with Aberdeen.
He has continued to look strong since signing with Hibs in the summer and playing in a free attacking midfield role – he could be a real danger to any backline with his great skill and intelligence.
The Canadian has one goal this season, but more impressively is creating an average of over 3.4 chances per 90 minutes.
Previous Encounters
Don Cowie hasn’t lost to Hibernian in his two games against them as a manager.
Yan Dhanda scored in the 98th minute to rescue a point late on in March.
Last season in the split, Jordan White and Simon Murray scored in a huge 2-1 win at home.
Our record against Hibernian in recent times is positive, with some matches that will forever stick in our memory.
Under Malky Mackay, County picked up a huge three points before the World Cup break. It was a rigid performance, with George Harmon and Alex Iacovitti scoring to secure all three points.
Two seasons ago, 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?...
Familiar Faces
There is just one current Ross County player who is a former Hibee. Ross Laidlaw was both on the books of the Edinburgh side earlier in their careers.
Last season's scoring hero Simon Murray played for the Edinburgh side.
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, Jackson Irvine, and Jason Naismith are some other memorable players who both spent time in the Staggie blue and the green of Hibernian.
Team News
Max Sheaf, Will Nightingale and George Harmon remain out.
Eli Campbell returns return from suspension, Charlie Telfer remains suspended.
Refereeing Team
Referee: Grant Irvine
AR1: Daniel McFarlane
AR2: Ross Nelson
VAR: Nick Walsh
AVAR: Graeme Leslie
