Kevin Nisbet and Ryan Porteous may be in line for a return to Hibernian’s starting XI ahead of the Premiership shootout with Aberdeen, but Joe Newell will be out for a longer period as he continues his comeback from a groin injury.
The Easter Road outfit can put daylight between themselves and The Dons with a win in Leith and were boosted ahead of their season run in by retaining the services of top scorer Nisbet and defender Porteous on deadline day despite interest from England.
The pair returned from the bench in Tuesday’s victory at St Mirren, with the 13-goal forward winning the corner from which Porteous headed in the opener.
Martin Boyle’s penalty was enough to ensure three points were heading back to Edinburgh from Paisley at the same time as Derek McInnes’ men caved in at home to in-form Livingston.
It left Hibs two points ahead of their rivals for the division’s European spots and overcoming a poor home record against the Pittodrie side that has seen Jack Ross’ men win just two of their last 14 meetings would negate their game in hand later this month.
Newell is the only remaining absentee from an otherwise fully fit squad after tweaking a groin issue in training during the build up to last Saturday’s win at Dundee United.
Ross is optimistic his midfield playmaker will be back next week - when Hibs face a long away trip to Ross County - but he will not be involved for the visit of The Dons.
Predicted line up
While Nisbet and Porteous made an impact from the bench in midweek, Ross started with the same side that cantered past Dundee United at Tannadice and may be minded to continue on with that XI.
Questions remain over Darren McGregor’s fitness after the 35-year-old made a stunning return to the first team with impressive performances against both Rangers and The Tangerines, but the Easter Road boss insisted the decision to replace him at half time on Tuesday was purely tactical.
He could return to a back three alongside Paul Hanlon and Paul McGinn, with Chris Cadden and Josh Doig given slightly more freedom to go forward after it was confirmed Ryan Hedges would miss the rest of the season with a pectoral injury.
Jackson Irvine impressed again in midfield and should start alongside Alex Gogic after the Cypriot enforcer rediscovered a bit of form over the past few weeks.
Martin Boyle and Jamie Murphy will likely rotate in supporting Christian Doidge as the central striker.
Nisbet and Porteous should join Scott Allan and Kyle Magennis as good options off the bench.
Predicted Hibs line up vs Aberdeeen: Marciano, McGregor, Hanlon, McGinn, Doig, Cadden, Gogic, Irvine, Muprhy, Boyle, Doidge
