Hibs v Hamilton preview: Scottish Premiership team news, referee, starting XI, how to watch, match odds

Last weekend’s postponed match away at Ross County robbed Hibs of the chance to keep the momentum going after three straight wins but having a weekend off could have helped the squad recharge their batteries and with Accies in action during the week, that extra break could give the Easter Road side the edge going into this tie.

That being said, the Lanarkshire outfit have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes recently and are unbeaten in their last three games with two draws against Rangers and St Mirren and a thumping win at Motherwell.

A win or draw for the Hibees would see them hit the 50-point mark and with Aberdeen four points behind in fourth a positive result is key for the Capital club in their charge for third place.

The Dons host Kilmarnock tomorrow and with the Rugby Park side having lost their last five and level on points with Accies, they will be hoping for result against the Pittodrie side as well as things going their way in Edinburgh.

Team news: Jack Ross has virtually a full squad to choose from with Alex Gogic and Jackson Irvine fit after the injuries they sustained in the 2-0 win against Aberdeen. Hibs will be without the player who has tested positive for Covid-19 as well but even minus one player there are many options for Ross going into this game.

Possible line-up (3-4-3): Marciano; P McGinn, McGregor, Hanlon; Cadden, Irvine, Gogic, Doig; Boyle, Doidge, Murphy. Subs from: Macey, Gray, Stevenson, Porteous, S McGinn, Newell, Magennis, Hallberg, Wright, Allan, Nisbet, Bradley.

Match details: Saturday February 20; kick-off 3.00pm, Easter Road, Edinburgh

How to watch: Hibs are offering a pay-per-view option on their in-house TV channel – details here.

Key stat: Hibs are still looking for back-to-back home wins for the first time since 2018 and have a chance to banish that unwanted record tomorrow.

In ten of their 14 wins so far this season Hibs have scored two or more goals and in seven of the last ten games between Hibs and Hamilton at Easter Road, there have been two or more goals scored in the first half.

Accies have won four of their 14 away matches so far this term, beating Ross County, Livingston, and Motherwell twice. They have also failed to score in four of their 14 away games.

Referee: Craig Napier takes charge of this encounter backed up by Graeme Stewart and Alastair Mather, with Euan Anderson named fourth official. It is the first time the doctor will take charge of a Hibs fixture.

It is Napier’s seventh Scottish Premiership fixture this season. Accies were beaten 2-1 by Dundee United in his only league game this term involving Brian Rice’s side.

He was also the man in the middle for Hamilton’s 3-1 Betfred Cup loss at Annan in October.

Of the three games he has taken charge of involving tomorrow’s visitors, Hamilton have won one and lost two, with four players booked and one penalty awarded.

Match odds: Hibs 4/9 Draw 15/4 Aberdeen 11/2 (odds supplied by McBookie).

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.