While much of the nation’s attention will understandably be on the Old Firm on Wednesday, there’s also a relegation battle between Hibernian and Inverness in Scotland which could be just as significant come the end of the season, and both teams will be going all out to claim what could be three vital points (Hibs 13/10, draw 9/4, Inverness 21/10).
After strong campaigns last term, both clubs have struggled this time around and now find themselves 10th and 11th respectively in the table with only lowly Dunfermline below them.
Hibs have been hugely disappointing as many believed they could possibly go on to trouble Celtic and Rangers this year due to the strong mix of youth and experience in their squad.
However, they have struggled for consistency, especially in defence where barely a week goes by without them conceding a calamitous goal and they are currently on a run of seven games without a victory.
One look at their squad and you start to believe that is only a matter of time before they start to climb the table and their forward line of Garry O’Connor (11/8 to score at anytime) and Leigh Griffiths (also 11/8 to score at anytime) should be good enough to trouble even the meanest defences in the SPL.
Both players possess superb strength and have been in good form this season with O’Connor netting seven while Griffiths has scored four. These two could make the difference on Wednesday so look out for them to be on the score sheet.
Inverness are perhaps one of the lesser known sides in the league but have held their own since being promoted back to the top league in 2010. They go into the game at Easter Road in good form as well, having won two of their last four games and Terry Butcher’s side look as if they may be on their way up the league.
Their star man is captain and striker Richie Foran (7/4 to score anytime) who has often carried them through difficult times and his ability to hold the ball up and bring his team-mates into play could prove priceless against Hibs.
One of the players he’ll be looking to bring into the game will be winger Andrew Shinnie who has a habit of scoring vital goals at important times and is understood to have been looked at by a number of English Premier League clubs ahead of the January transfer window.
However, despite Shinnie and Foran’s excellence, Hibs should just sneak this one and home advantage could make all the difference. The partnership between O’Connor and Griffiths is truly a class one at this level and they should see their side through, but it’ll be close (Hibernian 6/1 to win 1-0).
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