Ross County are looking to put Scottish Cup disappointment behind them as they welcome the League’s in-form team, Hibernian to a blustery Dingwall this afternoon.
The Hosts
The Staggies lost out to a dramatic 120th winner last weekend as Championship side Livingston dumped them out of the Scottish Cup.
Prior to the 4-1 defeat to Celtic, Don Cowie’s side were quietly putting an impressive string of results together. A dramatic draw with Hearts whilst after going more than a year without an away win, County made it three on the bounce with wins at Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and Dundee.
The issue has been in defence for Cowie, with the Staggies boasting the second-worst defence in the league, shipping 42 goals so far.
Ross County currently sits in 10th place, just a point above Hearts in 11th whilst four behind 6th-place Hibs.
The Visitors
David Gray is hoping to continue a run that has seen them propel up the table. Whilst fans had relegation on their mind in November, a 3-3 draw with Aberdeen has kick-started their season and now those fans are dreaming of European football next term.
They eased into the next round of the Scottish Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win against Clydebank last weekend.
In their last eight league games, they’ve picked up seven wins, including the Edinburgh Derby at Tynecastle on Boxing Day as well as a thrilling 3-3 draw to Rangers.
Hibs were struggling at both ends of the pitch at the early start of the season, but a switch to a back three and Jordan Smith replacing Josef Bursik in goals has made a real difference at the back.
The form of Nicky Cadden and Martin Boyle has revitalised the Hibs attack, the Australian in particular has been scoring for fun as of late.
Team News
Ross County: Don Cowie is unable to play Nohan Kenneh against his parent club. Michee Efete, Ryan Leak, Alex Samuel, Ross Laidlaw, Eli Campbell and Will Nightingale are all sidelined. Dylan Smith has been recalled from his loan at Arbroath and could feature.
Hibs: Nicky Cadden is set to return but will be playing with a protective mask after breaking his nose. Joe Newell, Elie Youan and Marvin Ekpiteta are all sidelined. Kieron Bowie should feature after making his return from injury last weekend.
Previous meetings
Ross County rued defensive errors as Hibs came from behind to win a 3-1 battle at Easter Road back in December, goals coming from Dwight Gayle, Elie Youan and Josh Campbell.
These two last met in Dingwall back on a cold Wednesday night in October, which can only be described as the most drab fixture you’d ever have laid your eyes on. That game finished 0-0 with very little to separate the sides.