Match preview: Hughes leads Ross County into former stomping grounds at Hibernian
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Ex-Hibernian manager John Hughes takes Ross County to his former club tonight for the Staggies' final match of 2020.
Hughes is still looking for his first point in charge of County, but it will be a tough task against a Hibs side who had gone nine matches unbeaten in all competitions before their Boxing Day defeat to Rangers.
Should the Staggies prevail, they could move off the foot of the Premiership if other results go their way, with just four points still separating them from Kilmarnock in eighth.
With some key players missing though, County will undoubtedly be the underdogs in the capital.
Team News
Ross County: Josh Reid and Ross Draper are both suspended following their sending offs against St Mirren last weekend.
The good news for Hughes though is that Regan Charles-Cook, Connor Randall and Charlie Lakin are all back in contention after returning to training in the last week.
That does still leave Ross Stewart, Michael Gardyne and Tom Grivosti on the treatment table, but things are at least starting to ease for the Staggies.
Hibernian: Christian Doidge is available again after suspension, but there are still several players unavailable for the Hibees.
Goalkeeper Ofir Marciano remains out with a hamstring injury, with Dillon Barnes set to continue to deputise.
Stevie Mallan (knee), Sean Mackie (ankle) and Jamie Murphy (hamstring) are also ruled out, while Scott Allan continues to be absent with an undisclosed medical issue.
Recent form
Ross County: lost 2–0 at home against St Mirren, lost 2–0 away at Celtic, lost 2–0 at home against Hamilton, lost 2–0 away at Aberdeen, lost 4–0 at home against Rangers.
Hibernian: lost 1–0 away at Rangers, won 1–0 at home against St Mirren, drew 1–1 at home against Dundee United, won 2–1 away at Alloa Athletic, won 4–0 away at Hamilton.
Head-to-head (all competitions)
Ross County 7
Draws 6
Hibernian 8
Last five meetings
Ross County 0–0 Hibernian – Premiership, Saturday, October 17, 2020
Hibernian 3–0 Ross County – Premiership, Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Ross County 2–1 Hibernian – Premiership, Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Hibernian 2–2 Ross County – Premiership, Saturday, October 26, 2019
Hibernian 3–2 Ross County – League Cup, Sunday, August 19, 2018
Ones to watch
Ross County: Callum Morris – one of the striking things about watching County from the sidelines has been the lack of a leader to organise their defence.
As often the most experienced man in the backline and club vice-captain, Morris has to be more vocal in organising his teammates into position and making sure they work as a unit.
With Christian Doidge and Kevin Nisbet forming one of the most formidable strike partnerships in the division, a trip to Easter Road would always have meant Morris would have his hands full, but he needs to fill that leadership role if the Staggies are to have a chance of taking points back to Dingwall.
Hibernian: Martin Boyle – there is a reason Hibees fans were so worried about Boyle's contract situation in the summer, because he is a key player at Easter Road.
Carl Tremarco, likely to start at left back for County in place of Josh Reid, will have his hands full with the Australian international, who has provided plenty of service for Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge so far this season.
While a new manager could change things, the Staggies have been susceptible to pace in behind their defence out wide a lot in 2020/21, which should be the perfect conditions for Boyle to thrive.
Ross County manager John Hughes' pre-match thoughts
“In football if you have momentum and are playing with confidence, and you have the same starting 11 then you will have success.
"It is all credit to Hibs, I have been there when you are flying and you are in the zone, but what a challenge it is for us and it has to inspire us. As an individual you have to stand up to it and say ‘bring it on’ and show them what you have.
"That’s what I am telling the players, make sure you don’t feel inferior to anyone. I would not have that at my club. We go there, we know how good they are but we stand up to it.
"Even if there is a bit of trepidation in there, you have to turn that into a bit of fight and that’s what I will be looking for, and to be fair that’s what I have had from them in the last two games.
"We played Celtic and we were down to nine men against St Mirren. I looked at the first 30 minutes from Saturday and if we can do that for 90 minutes then Hibs will know they will be in a game.”
