Hibs' European hopes leave little room for error
[BBC] With three draws from three heading into the international break, it's fair to say David Gray and his backroom staff have been searching for a spark to reignite momentum at Hibs. Across those fixtures Hibs have mustered 41 attempts on goal but found the net just three times - all of those goals came in the first of those matches away to Dundee. Since then, back-to-back goalless draws against Livingston at Easter Road and Motherwell on their own patch have stalled progress leaving the gap to the Fir Park side at six points.
With seven matches remaining before the curtain falls on the campaign, hopes of securing European football next season are delicately poised. Still within reach, but offering little margin for error. Attention will soon turn to a testing trip north to face Aberdeen before the drama of the post-split fixtures brings its usual intensity.
But first the immediate focus is on the visit of Kilmarnock to Easter Road. The Ayrshire side arrive in improved form, having claimed victories over league leaders Hearts and the division's bottom side Livingston. Despite that resurgence, they remain in the relegation play-off spot, level on points with St Mirren, and will take confidence from their previous visit to Leith where they left with a point back in August.
For Hibs, much may depend on the condition of those returning from international duty. If they come back fit and ready, there remains every chance that what has been a frustrating spell could yet give way to a strong and meaningful finish to the season.