Bench Boyle, start Murphy, give Mackie a shot - Hibs fans detail team changes they want to see

Head coach Jack Ross is somewhat limited in his options. There is little sense in making wholesale changes when the aim is to leave the Granite City with three points; he will want to play the team that has the best chance of securing victory.

But he is faced with something of a dilemma: does he keep faith with the team that ultimately failed to beat Hearts and give them a second chance, or does he shake things up for a fresh approach?

There are three key changes supporters are keen to see.

Bench Martin Boyle, or give him a rocket

The rapid winger got off to a flier this season, scoring both goals in the 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock on the opening day of the season. He followed this up with a goal and assist in the 3-0 win at St Mirren, and set up both goals in the 2-2 draw with Rangers as Hibs became the first team to score against the Ibrox side.

But since then he has struggled to impact league matches in the way he can. Since September 20 he has registered one assist in seven games, against Cove Rangers in the Betfred Cup. Fans are desperate for the affable wideman to start delivering ammunition for the strikers and getting back on the scoresheet himself – or given a rest or a rocket up his backside – although given his return of six goals and eight assists in 29 matches last term, he’s on track to better his stats this season.

As a winger, inconsistency is part and parcel of his game. There are no players in the squad capable of deputising on the right flank with pace and directness to match. When Hibs defeated Aberdeen 3-0 at Easter Road last season the Australian internationalist ran riot, scoring twice and setting up the third. Could he have a similar impact on Friday night?

Start Jamie Murphy

After the on-loan Rangers attacker sustained an injury against Brora Rangers, his second in a Hibs shirt, the coaching staff appear to have been managing his comeback in order to reduce his chances of breaking down a third time.

He made an appearance against Hearts as a second-half substitute and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him handed a starting role in such a crucial game.

Boyle and Murphy on top form supplying crosses for Christian Doidge and Kevin Nisbet would give most defences an uncomfortable ninety minutes.

Mackie or Doig?

Some Hibs fans believe Sean Mackie is the club’s best option at left-back. With Lewis Stevenson sidelined through injury the position will be filled by either Mackie or Josh Doig.

The fromer has played just over 90 minutes of competitive football – against Forfar Athletic – since returning from a long-term foot injury and it would be a huge surprise if he was to be handed a start against the Dons.

Ross likes a settled team and has used just two different back fours on league duty this season. Expect Doig to start against Aberdeen and, possibly, Mackie making an appearance in the second half.