Livingston v Hibs: What can we expect from Jack Ross pre-match press conference?

Hibs head coach Jack Ross will meet with the media today as he speaks ahead of the Capital club’s first away match of the 2020/21 season against Livingston.

With a host of talking points up for discussion, we take a look at what subjects may come up …

Porteous availability

The defender rolled his ankle in the 2-1 win against Kilmarnock last week but battled on through the pain barrier to complete the game. His performance was of a high enough standard that he was included in the SPFL’s team of the week. Ross is hopeful that the 21-year-old will be fit enough to face the West Lothian side but he may be in a position to clarify this afternoon.

Mallan comeback?

Stevie Mallan has resumed training after a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. He was at Easter Road last week but curiously wasn’t named in the matchday squad. It could be that he isn’t at full match fitness level yet, but either way Ross may be able to shed some light on a timeframe for the 24-year-old's return to action.

Ross McCrorie interest

Earlier this week, Hibs were linked with a move for Rangers midfielder Ross McCrorie. Florian Kamberi’s move to St Gallen and the subsequent fee received by Hibs could trigger movement on the transfer front. It’s likely that Ross will be asked about McCrorie and the current situation, and if he has plans to bring in more players or move some on before the end of the window.

Almondvale

Hibs lost 2-0 on their last visit to the Tony Macaroni Arena, in December last year. Artificial surface are always good talking points so Ross may be asked about the plastic pitch and how tough an away venue Livingston is.

Tactical shake-up

Michael Weir said this week in his column for the Evening News that Hibs may look at shaking up their tactics for the trip to Livingston. Weir said: “When Hibs go to venues like Almondvale, the main thing is finding a way to win. Pretty football is nice to watch but Livingston is a tough trip. There are certain stadiums where you have to adapt and play a particular way to have any hope of winning.

Even if winning means the manager having to play a different style in order to get the points on the board, then that's what Hibs will have to do.”

Ross may shuffle his pack for the trip, especially having experienced how Livingston play at home already. He could employ a change of formation as well as rejigging his team selection.