Kilmarnock v Hibs team news and likely line-ups: Two Hibs stars to return | Slivka to keep his place? | in search of elusive successive victory

Hibs travel to Kilmarnock on Sunday for a Ladbrokes Premiership encounter in front of the BT Sport cameras.

The visitors are looking to pick up consecutive victories in the league since Jack Ross' first two matches in charge. Coincidentally, it was Kilmarnock who halted the former Sunderland manager's 100 per cent winning start the last time the two sides met.

This is a tricky fixture for the away side as Killie are undefeated in their last four games. But Ross and his men will be buoyed by the return of a couple of players to the squad and the confidence they would've gained from a terrific performance against Ross County in midweek.

It'll be interesting to see if Vykintas Slivka keeps his place with, perhaps, more robust options available. The Lithuanian was excellent against County, though Kilmarnock's midfield is a very different proposal.

It would certainly seem Ross will stick with the 3-5-2 formation he trialled against BSC Glasgow and then used to such devastating effect the following Wednesday.

Kilmarnock team news

Kirk Broadfoot is a doubt with a shoulder injury. Mohamed El Makrini has returned to training after missing the last four games, though January signing Harry Bunn will be out.

Likely Kilmarnock line-up

Branescu; O'Donnell, Del Fabro, Findlay, Hamalainen; Burke, Power, Dicker, McKenzie; Brophy, Kabamba.

Hibs team news

Lewis Stevenson and Steven Whittaker will return to the squad after the pair were rested for game in midweek. Melker Hallberg called off sick in that match and is a doubt for Sunday. Stevie Mallan, Ryan Porteous and Jason Naismith remain out with long-term injuries.

Likely Hibs line-up

Marciano; McGinn, Jackson, Hanlon; Boyle, Docherty, Allan, Slivka, Newell; Doidge, McNulty.

Key clash

The midfield is going to be where this game is won and lost. Kilmarnock have had recent success in the 4-4-2, while Hibs will likely go with three in the middle. They'll hope the extra man will give them an advantage, which should allow Scott Allan to find spaces around the final third in which to set up team-mates. The experienced Gary Dicker will be keeping a close eye on him.

Last meeting

Hibs dominated Kilmarnock for 60 minutes at Easter Road but had to eventually settle for a point after Alex Bruce and Dario Del Fabro cancelled out the 2-0 lead the hosts had built behind goals from Christian Doidge and Jason Naismith.

Referee

Hibs have only come across Alan Muir once this season. That was the August meeting with Greenock Morton in the Betfred Cup where Hibs needed extra-time to come out on top, eventually winning 5-3.

Odds

Kilmarnock 23/20 Draw 5/2 Hibs 11/5