Hibs will look to round off a perfect week as they welcome Kilmarnock to Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon.
Hibs managed to dust themselves down following their agonising defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League, as they won their Premiership opener at Dundee last Sunday.
A Kieron Bowie double was enough to seal a 1-2 victory for The Hibees up at Dens Park in a game they should’ve won by a far bigger margin, but it still gave our man SlipsTips a couple of winners.
David Gray’s men then went to the hostile Belgrade to take on Partizan Belgrade in the first leg of their Conference League qualifier, and they left the Serbian capital with an impressive 0-2 victory, meaning they are in pole position to reach the Conference League playoff round.
After topping their League Cup group, it looked as if Stuart Kettlewell was going to win his opening Premiership game in charge of the Ayrshire club, as his side led 2-0 at home to newly-promoted Livingston.
However, the game changed on the 66th minute when George Stanger was sent off, with Livi equalising four minutes from time to rescue a point for David Martindale’s playoff winners, a result our man Mark correctly predicted.
How the bookies view it: Hibees favourites
Hibs have been installed as favourites to make it three wins in seven days, with BoyleSports pricing them at just 4/6.
A Killie victory is priced at 7/2 with the same firm, whilst the draw is 11/4.
Head to head: Eight unbeaten for Hibees?
David Gray’s men are unbeaten in each of their previous seven meetings with Kilmarnock, winning each of the last three at Easter Road.
Players to watch: Boyle to bag again?
Martin Boyle remains Hibs’ talisman, as his 15 goals in the Premiership helped guide the capital club to a third-placed finish. The Australian also scored both goals in Belgrade on Thursday night, and is an appealing 7/5 at BoyleSports to get on the scoresheet here.
As alluded to, Kieran Bowie was the hero up at Dens Park last weekend, as his two goals ensured they left the City of Discovery with all three points. He also appeals to get on the scoresheet on Sunday, with BoyleSports pricing him at 5/4.
Predicted line-ups:
Hibs will once again be without their captain Joe Newell through injury.
Kilmarnock will be without George Stanger following his red card against Livingston last week, but Robbie Deas returns from a suspension of his own.
Hibernian: Smith, O’Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, Cadden, Mulligan, Levitt, Obita, McGrath, Boyle, Bowie
Kilmarnock: Stryjek, Lyons, Deas, Mayo, Brandon, Polworth, Lowery, Brannan, Watson, Dackers, Daniels
Anything else catch the eye?
Hibs will come into this clash brimming with confidence following their opening day win at Dundee and their impressive victory in Belgrade against Partizan on Thursday.
As mentioned above, Hibs have a great record in this fixture, as they are unbeaten in each of their previous seven meetings with Kilmarnock, losing just one of their last 14.
The capital club are also unbeaten in each of their past 11 meetings with Killie at Easter Road, winning each of their previous six, and look a solid selection at 4/6 at BoyleSports.
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