Hibs v Livingston team news and possible line-ups: Newell fit? | Same XI? | Efe Ambrose return

A look ahead to the clash at Easter Road on Saturday
By Joel Sked
Published 21st Feb 2020, 16:00 BST
Updated 21st Feb 2020, 16:00 BST
Martin Boyle scored a late equaliser the last time Hibs and Livingston met at Easter Road. Picture: SNSMartin Boyle scored a late equaliser the last time Hibs and Livingston met at Easter Road. Picture: SNS
Martin Boyle scored a late equaliser the last time Hibs and Livingston met at Easter Road. Picture: SNS

Hibs welcome Livingston to Easter Road on Saturday (ko 3pm) in what is likely to be a fascinating encounter.

In recent weeks Jack Ross has propelled the side into European contention, helped by a very productive transfer window. Already, Paul McGinn, Marc McNulty and Greg Docherty have made vital contributions.

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Their progression has also been aided by a switch in formation. The three at the back gets the best out of Paul Hanlon and has witnessed Adam Jackson coming to the fore.

A win over Livi is not just big in terms of keeping on the coat tails of Motherwell and Aberdeen but also in the shake up for the top six with the West Lothian side above them in the table.

Gary Holt’s men have proved to be tricky opposition for the Hibees this season. A late Martin Boyle goal was required in the first fixture between the sides at Easter Road to rescue a draw, while in the match at the Tony Macaroni Stadium in December, Livi eased to victory.

Added intrigue comes in the shape of Efe Ambrose. The ex-Hibs ace has signed an 18-month deal with Livingston.

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Hibs team news: Joe Newell limped off during the win over Kilmarnock on Sunday with a heel injury but is expected to be fit. Stevie Mallan, Ryan Porteous and Jason Naismith are on the long-term injury list.

Possible Hibs XI: Marciano; McGinn, Jackson, Hanlon; Boyle, Slivka, Docherty, Newell; Allan; McNulty, Doidge

Livingston team news: Robby McCrorie is likely to come back in after sitting out the match with parent club Rangers. Marvin Bartley was also missing from that clash with an ankle injury, but Efe Ambrose has arrived.

Possible Livingston XI: McCrorie; Lawson, Ambrose, Guthrie, McMillan; Bartley, Sibbald, Jacobs; Robinson, Lawless, Dykes

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Key clash: Adam Jackson has been in tremendous form of late in the middle of the back three for Hibs. He will likely face one of his toughest tests in recent weeks when he comes up against Lyndon Dykes. The Australian is Livi’s focal point who they will look to play off and play through. On top of that he has 12 goals for the campaign.

Last meeting: It was one to forget for Jack Ross’ side. The final fixture of the year and off the back of beating Hearts at Tynecastle, Hibs delivered a meek performance in West Lothian with Livingston running out comfortable 2-0 winners.

Match details: Saturday, 22 October. Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh. Kick-off 3pm. Tickets are available from the Hibs website.

Referee: Alan Newlands (25 yellow cards in seven Ladbrokes Premiership fixtures) – This will be the officials third match in charge of Hibs this season. He oversaw the 2-1 win at St Mirren, a game where he awarded a penalty to the Hibees, as well as the 4-1 victory over BSC Glasgow in the Scottish Cup.

Match odds: Hibs 5/4 Draw 23/10 Livingston 21/10