Preview: Hibernian vs. Ross County - prediction, team news, lineups

Hibernian ended their five-match streak without a win last weekend, and that is something they shall be hoping to continue this Saturday when they host Ross County as the Scottish Premiership returns.

The Staggies currently sit just above the relegation zone, but they have gone four games without a defeat heading into this one, which will provide confidence to the group.

Match preview

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Hibernian have had a difficult start to 2022, with inconsistent performances leading to a lack of results, which ultimately cost Jack Ross his job as the manager.

The squad have failed to win in their previous six league outings, with the last victory coming on Boxing Day, with these results seeing them slip down the table into seventh place.

However, the Scottish Cup has provided a positive escape for the Hibees, and they got back to form in that competition last weekend, defeating Arbroath 3-1, although they did go behind in the sixth minute.

Goals from Demetri Mitchell, Kevin Nisbet and Chris Mueller ended up seeing them into the next round, and the squad will now be keen to bring that momentum back into the league.

A defeat could see them drop into ninth, and just one point above their opponents on Saturday, yet a victory might allow them to climb into the top half, depending on other results.

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Ross County are just above the relegation zone right now, with only seven points between them and Dundee, showcasing the pressure they could be under with a defeat on Saturday.

However, the Staggies are in good form, and they have benefitted from having a weekend off last week as they are already knocked out of the Scottish Cup, which should provide some freshness to the squad.

Malky Mackay's side have proved they are not going down without a fight in their recent outings, and that was clear against Livingston, when they battled until the very end to earn a point due to a 93rd-minute equaliser from Kayne Ramsay.

The Staggies are undefeated in their previous four matches, drawing three of those, which has been a problem for them throughout the season, as only St Mirren have shared the points more than them so far.

However, they put together an impressive performance against Rangers in a frantic 3-3 fixture, while they were also able to beat relegation rivals Dundee, and the focus will now be on continuing that form this Saturday.

Team News

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Mueller was featured off the bench at the weekend to score his first goal for the club, and that could be something that earns him a grander opportunity this weekend, potentially from the first whistle.

However, Paul Hanlon, Paul McGinn and Joe Newell are all not guaranteed on Saturday due to various fitness issues, while Kyle Magennis has been confirmed as unavailable completely.

Josh Sims recently signed for Ross County, and he could end up making his debut at the weekend, bringing an added boost to the Staggies squad.

Jack Baldwin could be brought back into the team this time around after he was used as a substitute in the recent draw against Livingston.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Macey; Doig, Bushiri, Porteous; Mitchell, Doyle-Hayes, Stevenson, Cadden; Henderson, Mueller; Nisbet

Ross County possible starting lineup:
Laidlaw; Randall, Watson, Baldwin, Vokins; Spittal, Tillson; Sims, Callachan, Charles-Cook; White

We say: Hibernian 1-1 Ross County

Hibernian are in a need of a victory due to their current form in the Scottish Premiership, but their recent inconsistent performances could make this a tricky situation.

Ross County have showcased a lot of fighting spirit in their fixtures lately, which is why it would not be a surprise to see them battle out a draw on Saturday.

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