Hibernian

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Hibernian Training Centre

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Nicky Cadden says Hibernian are "not getting the rub of the green" but insists they are "a really good team" who just need one victory for things to "snowball".

The Leith side are second bottom in the Scottish Premiership with just one win from their first 10 games, but winger Cadden says a much-needed second victory is imminent.

The 28-year-old has been watching from the stands recently, having missed four games with an injury, but he made his return midweek against Ross County.

"It's very close, very close," he said when previewing Sunday's game against Dundee United.

"Even in the games when I was injured, I'm watching and I'm thinking, 'we're a really good team here and we're playing good stuff' and it's just maybe the ball's not falling in the box at the right time or we're just not getting that rub of the green.

"I think we just need one win. Once we get that out the road I think we’ll be fine. We're a good group."

Cadden, who joined twin brother Chris at Hibs this summer, has played north and south of the border.

Such experiences during his 11-year career make him sure things will swiftly change.

"I've been in changing rooms a lot worse that were doing a lot better," he adds. "So I think it's just about getting that first win and knowing we can do it.

"And then it'll take care of itself. Once we get that first win, I think it'll snowball from there."

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• Hibernian's last top-flight win at home to Dundee United came in November 2012 (2-1), with Hibs winless in six such meetings since (D4 L2).

• Dundee United have won their last two Scottish Premiership meetings with Hibernian and could win three in a row in the competition against Hibs for the first time since August 2012.

• Hibernian are unbeaten in 15 top-flight home games against newly promoted opposition (W6 D9) since going down 0-1 to Ross County in December 2012.

• Dundee United have kept two clean sheets in five away games in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, already the same number of shutouts they managed on the road in the whole of their previous top-flight campaign in 2022-23 (19 games).

• Dundee United's Jim Goodwin has won just one of his eight managerial away games against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership (D3 L4), a 1-0 victory with St Mirren in February 2022.

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Hibs hope to have Dwight Gayle (hamstring) and Chris Cadden (thigh) back in the squad but long-term absentee Kieron Bowie (hamstring) is missing.

Louis Moult (knee), Ross Docherty (muscular) and Ross Graham (hamstring) are all working hard to make themselves available for United but there are no guarantees, while Craig Sibbald is expected to be out until January with a groin injury.

United manager Jim Goodwin says Hibs head coach David Gray deserves more time in the job at Easter Road. (Record), external

Gray does not want "players to play within themselves", urging Hibernian to play with "freedom". (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Hibernian Training Centre

Image source, SNS

"We know we need to get points on the board. That's the be all and end all and the full focus for this weekend."

David Gray knows Hibs are in desperate need of just a second league win of the campaign, but he remains steadfast in his belief "it's coming" and when it does, it will be the "kickstart to the season" they need.

On Sunday Hibs host Dundee United, who they dramatically lost to last month. The head coach knows it will take "a big effort" but believes, "if we play the way we can play to the best of our ability, then we can go and get the three points".

The point away to Ross County on Wednesday lifted Hibs back above city rivals Hearts and off the foot of the table. And while it was a point they would have taken before the game, Gray admits they're "in a position where we know we need more than that".

"We’re getting to the final third and creating chances, I’d have much more concerns if we weren't doing that," said the 36-year-old, whose side are the lowest scorers in the Premiership.

"We definitely need to be more clinical, it's something we talk about and are working hard at, but a big thing for me, the message to the players is we need to keep putting ourselves in these positions to miss them.

"It might take 10 runs to get one opportunity, we might get a bit of luck, a break of the ball and that’s how quickly things can change.

"We need to keep working at it, putting ourselves into positions to miss and hopefully, by continuing to do that, things will change quickly."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Hibernian Training Centre

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Hibs head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media before his side's Premiership match against Dundee United on Sunday.

Here's what he had to say:

• Getting points on the board this weekend is the "be all and end all" for Hibs, and Gray's full focus is on that.

• He is convinced "one win this weekend can be the kickstart Hibs need".

• The head coach thinks victory "would change the narrative", similar to the way it has shifted this week, adding: "The narrative was about us being defensively not good enough, we get a clean sheet and the attention changes to the top end of the pitch, that's natural."

• Gray would have "more concern" if Hibs weren't getting into areas to create chances, but is urging his side to "keep putting ourselves in these positions to miss them".

• Keeping a clean sheet at Ross County on Wednesday was "the positive" and while he'd usually take a midweek point in Dingwall, on reflection and given the "position we find ourselves in, we know we need more than that".

• Dundee United have "demonstrated they're a good side," so it will take "a big effort" to get the much-sought after win, Gray says.

• He doesn't think Hibs fans will be coming into the game with nerves, and insists they will have "optimism".

Sunday's match at Easter Road brings together two sides eager to get back to winning ways.

With a winless October, Hibernian's last victory came all the way back on 14 September - a run of five games.

Dundee United's return to the top flight has been solid, but narrow defeats by Aberdeen and Motherwell in the past week have dragged them down the table ever so slightly.

United, who are unbeaten in four visits to Easter Road, are fifth, eight points above second-bottom Hibs.

And, if their last meeting is anything to go by - the Tangerines' 3-2 win at Tannadice, this fixture could be a treat.

Read all the Premiership picks here

We asked for your views on the 0-0 draw against Ross County that extended Hibs' winless run to five games but lifted them off the bottom of the table.

Here's what some of you said:

David: It's clear David Gray doesn't have any sort of plan. With the front four we have we created very little. Another winnable game slips by and we really don't look like winning matches. The next two matches will define our season. Draws are no use to us now.

Jonny: Well, a point is a point at this stage, and a clean sheet is a bonus. Lewis Miller is a bombscare on the ball and shouldn't be in the team. Luck will change soon but we need a few more experienced bodies in at the next window and a clearout. It would be sad to see another Hibs legend punted as manager.

Kieran: Another absolutely pathetic performance. Gray's legend status will never leave him but he is not the man for this job. The board have gotten away with absolute murder and it won't be long till Bill Foley pulls his funding if things keep on down this path. Another season of bottom six and more corporate suites built than victories. Pathetic.

Greg: It is very impressive that Ben Kensell and the Gordons manage to continually find managers that struggle to beat Ross County. Consistency at its finest.

Stuart: Hibs have let go managers with better results. Gray says the team is improving but results don't show that. It looks like it will take a season to get a win. Gray and Malky Mackay must go.

Cameron: Poor decision-making in the final third this time around. A clean sheet for once but that defence just sends dread through me every time the opposition attacks. Luckily County were as bad in the final third as we were.

George: Given the state of confidence this was an okay point after a point against the Jambos on Sunday. County are no mugs at home, so it's a wee step forward, and a building block on the confidence levels we need to build.

Head coach David Gray wants to see more attacking threat from Hibernian after they moved off the bottom of the Premiership table with a 0-0 draw at Ross County. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Hibernian moved off of the bottom of the Scottish Premiership despite failing to find a way past a stubborn Ross County side in a goalless draw in Dingwall.

What did you make the performance? What needs to change to get back to winning ways?

Let us know your thoughts on the match, external.

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David Gray said: "I think firstly, a point away from home in a clean sheet is never a bad thing, so we need to take the positives from that.

"But if I'm being honest, I think there's a wee lack of quality in the final third from us especially, or the decision-making and execution let us down a bit."

"Pressure’s always been there, I know that. I've been at the club long enough to understand that and I think it's never going to go away. I'm ready for it 100 per cent.

"I know it's always going to be there. I just have to adapt and go into the next game as much as I possibly can, [and] believe in what I'm doing.

"The group is really close together, I think you've seen that tonight, even though we weren't at our best, we managed to get a positive result. We know we need to improve.

"We know we are improving, but it's a process and we're all sticking together and working as hard as we can. I just have to concentrate on the next game."

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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It’s becoming difficult to assess Hibs, as based on tonight’s performance you would be forgiven for thinking they were simply unlucky not to score.

Their xG wasn’t that high but similar to the Edinburgh derby, a more clinical and composed touch in front of goal would have them six points better off after these two games.

Kuharevich and Gayle would come away with three goals between them if they were playing in a confident side but that’s simply not the case.

They were relatively sound defensively and attacked well, often combing smartly to free attackers in promising positions but the final touch let them down too often.

Five games without a victory, winning only one of their nine away games so far this campaign, is a dismal run for any side. Moving above Hearts at the bottom will be scant consolation.

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Joe Newell, on his return from suspension, showed a bit of what Hibs had been missing.

The attacking players were a threat but the drive in the middle of the park from Newell was impressive.

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Don Cowie makes one change from the side that started their 2-1 win over Killie.

Elijah Campbell returns from suspension and is in for Josh Reid, who drops to the bench.

For Hibs, their head coach David Gray makes two alterations for the side that lined up for Sunday's Edinburgh derby.

Joe Newell, also returning from suspension, and Mykola Kuharevich are in, and dropping out are Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Dwight Gayle.

The latter is not in the side's matchday squad.

• Follow the action live.

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Ross County: Laidlaw, Leak, Lopata, Wright, Brown, Randall, Denholm, Campbell, Chilvers, White, Hale.

Substitutes: Hamilton, Allardice, Loturi, Grieves, Nisbet, Efete, Samuel, Brophy, Reid.

Hibernian: Bursik, Miller, Ekpiteta, O'Hora, Obita, Newell, Triantis, Boyle, Youan, Hoilett, Kuharevich.

Substitutes: Smith, Levitt, Iredale, McKirdy, Kwon, N. Cadden, Campbell, Bushiri, Molotnikov.

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One win in nine league games. Bottom of the table. The league's lowest scorers with nine goals.

The bare facts make grim reading for Hibs fans amid a spluttering start to David Gray's tenure.

Gray needs wins - fast. And the next opportunity comes in tonight's trip to face Ross County.

Jordan Campbell, football reporter with The Athletic, told the BBC's Scottish football podcast: "It does feel like a huge, huge game for Hibs.

"Especially since Hearts seemed to get a lift since Neil Critchley came in. They've left Hibs with the unwanted position of being rooted to the bottom.

"It's looking very difficult for Gray at the moment but Hibs have got to give him time because what they've done the last three or four years is just continually churn manager after manager.

"Gray will maybe get more time with the fans just because of who he is and the belief they have in him, that he can turn it around and he has got an understanding of the club and what needs to change.

"If you don't win that game and Hearts take full points, it's looking pretty bleak already. You're three points off the relegation play-off, never mind being bottom."

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• After their 2-1 win in May last season, Ross County could enjoy back-to-back top-flight victories over Hibs for the first time since winning their first ever three such games against Hibs in 2012-13.

• Hibs have only won one of their last six league meetings with Ross County (D3 L2), a 2-0 victory in March last season.

• The side scoring first has won just one of the last five league meetings between Ross County and Hibs (D3 L1); before this, the side that went 1-0 ahead had won five times in a row in this top-flight fixture.

• Ross County have won just two of their last 14 midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) games in the Scottish Premiership (D8 L4), and are winless in midweek league games in 2024 (P7 D4 L3).

• Hibs have won just one of their last 14 away league matches (D7 L6), a 3-1 victory at St Johnstone in April last season. Hibs have lost both of their last two on the road, last losing more in a row in the top flight in January 2023 (run of 6).

You have to feel a bit for David Gray.

Knowing confidence is low, he sets out with a gameplan to frustrate Hearts and allow the opposition possession but also being aware his Hibs team have had problems creating chances.

Then, when a goal up, not for the first time this season the defence is caught napping late on and what seemed a certain victory ends up in a draw.

Hibs have now lost a staggering 11 points in the final 15 minutes of league matches this season. Had they held on for a draw or a win in these games, the Easter Road side could be fourth in the table rather than sitting bottom.

Gray himself said it after the derby. It's the same players making the same mistakes week after week. The fans who turned out again in huge numbers at the weekend are being short-changed by those on the pitch.

The next three matches before the international break are huge. First up is tonight's trip to Dingwall to face a Ross County side who will be buoyed by their win over Kilmarnock.

Then it's back-to-back home games against Dundee United, one of the surprise packages of the season, and St Mirren, who have already beaten Hibs 3-0 this season.

We are now approaching the most perilous time for managers. A full set of fixtures against every opponent in the league will be completed shortly and then a true picture forms of what can be expected.

As things stand it doesn't look good for Hibs, but it's amazing what a few wins can do for both confidence and league position.

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Eli Campbell returns from suspension for Ross County but Charlie Telfer is still banned. Will Nightingale (knee), George Harmon (ankle) and Max Sheaf (thigh) remain out.

Hibernian welcome back captain Joe Newell after suspension and Nicky Cadden is set to return from injury.

Chris Cadden (thigh) is likely to miss out again along with long-term absentee Kieron Bowie (hamstring).

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Nectarios Triantis admits Hibs have "fallen short" at the start of the Scottish Premiership season but is hopeful of picking up three points against Ross County.

The Edinburgh club have let victory slip from their grasp in the closing few minutes of four of their last seven league games, most recently against Hearts.

"We know that there are many positives to take from the games," the midfielder said.

"But at the end of the day, football is about results and it's always that last hurdle it seems that we're falling short

"We're trying our best to fix that and hopefully that can be corrected against Ross County.

"At the moment, every game is just as big as the next. We can't look past the Ross County game and we're looking for a good, strong win.

"We’ve just got to keep going and keep looking for those three points."

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

It was derby deja vu for Hibs as yet again we failed to win from a winning position, this time conceding a late goal to gift Hearts a point at Easter Road.

The game should have been beyond Hearts by that stage with Hibs guilty of passing up some gilt-edged chances to put the result beyond doubt. It felt almost inevitable that something would give as the game entered the final stages.

Hibs have made a habit of conceding late goals - that's now eight against and none for in the last 15 minutes of matches this season.

David Gray desperately needs one or two of his players to be brave enough to take the ball up the pitch and play in the attacking half to close games out, rather than trying and failing with the backs-to-the-wall defensive approach that has characterised the last few games.

Gray will argue Hibs deserved more from the derby, and he's probably right, but until he fixes the fatal flaws at both ends of the pitch, he's going to find it difficult to lift his side from the foot of the table.

Hibs have all the attributes of a relegation-haunted team - a lack of goals from open play and an aversion to clean sheets is a recipe for disaster.

Gray and his side need to address this immediately and will be looking for a positive result in Dingwall on Wednesday to build on the weekend draw.

Matty Fairnie can be found at Longbangers Podcast, external