It is Hibs' turn to make a change. United might be pleased to see the back of Kris Commons, but he is replaced with Scotland midfielder John McGinn, making his return from two months out through injury.

Hibs race up the other end on the break and, following a corner, Darren McGregor heads wide of the far post.

Hibs goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw is at last called into action and pushes away a powerful header from Tope Obadeyi.

Thomas Mikkelsen is coming on for his United debut. The new signing is not match fit, but it calls for desperate measures, with midfielder Stewart Murdoch, who has come close to a second yellow card, being withdrawn - perhaps before he got his marching orders.

Former Dundee United midfielder Ryan McGowan on BBC Radio Scotland: "In the last five minutes, the game has started to stretch and the worrying thing for Dundee United is that Hibs' two wingers have so much pace. 

"All the central midfielders have to do put the ball into those areas and let them chase it. Marvin Bartley has really impressed me in midfield.  

"He has won every ball and given Hibs the platform to express themselves as an attacking team."

United have not had an attempt on target. Could they yet call on Thomas Mikkelsen, their new loan signing from Odense who is on the bench?   

Image source, SNS

United boss Ray McKinnon makes another change, with on-loan Aberdeen forward Cammy Smith replacing midfielder Charlie Telfer. It looks like a 4-2-4 formation as the United boss goes for it to try to save the game.

Hibs are starting look a threat again as United try to push forward and leave big gaps at the back that the home side are exploiting on the break.

Tom English
BBC Sport Scotland at Easter Road

The official attendance is 18,786. Not many spare seats at Easter Road, but not near the expected full house.

Former Dundee United midfielder Ryan McGowan on BBC Radio Scotland: "It has been a lot more even at the start of this second half.  

"Dundee United look a lot more up for it than they did in the first 45 minutes.  

"It is a little bit scrappy at the moment. Hibs need to get players like Kris Commons and Chris Humphrey on the ball again."

Tope Obadeyi made a difference as a subtitute against Hibs in October and the forward is coming on as a substitute for Nick van der Velden.

Scotland head coach Gordon Strachan is at Easter Road. Could Jason Cummings be in his thoughts?

Image source, SNS

A yellow card for Nick Van der Velden for a late and frustrated challenge on Martin Boyle by the United forward.

Willo Flood plays yet another sloppy pass and, fortunately for the United midfielder, Martin Boyle's attempted shot slices well wide.

Former Hibs forward Tam McManus on BBC Radio Scotland: "I would think Ray McKinnon has knocked some heads together in the dressing room. 

"I would really expect to see a strong reaction from Dundee United early in this second half."  

Midfielder Marvin Bartley is the first Hibs player in the book for a foul on Willo Flood. The home support aren't too pleased with referee Willie Collum's decision.

United are already under pressure, but Kris Commons' free-kick flies over the head of his team-mates after a poor challenge from Paul Durnan.

United get the second half under way and are needing something special to save even a point in this top-of-the-table battle.

Hibs are well on their way to a nice wee double for superfan Sir Andy Murray. The Scot and world number one will face defending champion Novak Djokovic in the Qatar Open final on Saturday after beating third seed Tomas Berdych in the semis.

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