Hibernian play host to Motherwell on Wednesday evening looking for the win they require to move back into the top eight of the Scottish Premiership standings.
As for the visitors, they make the visit to Easter Road holding a one-point advantage over the home side, as well as trailing seventh by the same margin.
Match preview
© Reuters
Nick Montgomery reiterated at the weekend that he retained the support of the Hibs board having been naturally quizzed on matters after the defeat to Aberdeen.
However, he has since been removed from his position, with David Gray being placed in caretaker charge for the remaining two matches.
Not only did the Edinburgh-based side allow their opponents to move past them in the table at the weekend and into eighth place, they succumbed by a 4-0 scoreline.
Hibs have now lost four of their last six matches, collecting four points from the other two games, to now sit down in ninth place in the table.
A six-match undefeated streak preceding that should not be ignored, but this is now a team that has won just four of their last 19 matches in the top flight.
Opposite number Stuart Kettlewell has also required some backing this season, with Motherwell incredibly winning just once in 19 matches at one stage.
Rather than react, Motherwell's hierarchy retained his services and have since been rewarded, with just four league defeats being posted in 16 games since the turn of the year.
That includes a run of five wins from nine matches, Motherwell recently scoring nine times in victories over Livingston and Ross County.
No clean sheet in 12 matches remains an issue, but the solitary focus is on trying to achieve seventh place - which would match last season's finish - by any means necessary.
Team News
Gray will inevitably make changes to the Hibs XI with Dylan Levitt and Josh Campbell both in line for recalls.
Adam Le Fondre could also be restored to the starting lineup, but Luke Amos may have to remain patient given his recent return to the fold.
Goalkeeper David Marshall was supposed to be involved on Sunday, yet missed out, but the veteran stopper could be recalled here.
Kettlewell may choose to stick with the Motherwell starting lineup from the weekend, although his side were only 2-1 up at Ross County before changes were made.
Three further goals were scored, Davor Zdravkovski and Harry Paton both contributing, and they are in contention to replace either or both of Andrew Halliday and Sam Nicholson.
Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Marshall; Cadden, Bushiri, Hanlon, Obita; Levitt, Newell; Campbell, Marcondes, Maolida; Le Fondre
Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Casey, McGinn, Blaney; O'Donnell, Halliday, Miller, Gent; Paton, Spittal; Bair
We say: Hibernian 1-2 Motherwell
Despite Hibs making the decision to go with a change in manager, we are backing the visitors to battle their way to success, guaranteeing a minimum of eighth spot in the process.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
