Hibernian need score to settle

James Traynor

4 Nov 1989

LIFE has been difficult these past few games for Hibernian, writes James Traynor.

Aberdeen, Rangers, and Liege have all beaten the Edinburgh side, who have not managed even a goal.

They are entitled to believe fate might be kinder, but now they face a capital derby, and the fact that it is to be played on their own patch does not offer solace.

It is reasonable to assume further suffering awaits.

Hibs have a problem in that they are finding it difficult to score goals.

Hearts, if last Saturday's match against St Mirren is anything to go by, know how to put the ball in the net, and they particularly are anxious to display their prowess this afternoon.

The Tynecastle side scored four times against that hapless team from Paisley last week, and it will surprise no one to learn that Alex MacDonald will not being tampering with his line-up.

However, the Hearts manager is counselling the need for caution.

"Three straight defeats makes Hibs dangerous," MacDonald said.

The Easter Road side's problems are not eased by injury to Keith Houchen and manager Alex Miller might be tempted to re-introduce Steve Archibald.

There might be no alternative.

Aberdeen will be hoping to benefit from the outcome of the Old Firm encounter at Ibrox, but to take any advantage, they will have to account for Dundee.

That should not be beyond their capabilities.

The Dens Park side have only 13 able bodies in their first-team squad.

Albert Craig, Jim Smith, Mark Craib, and Ian Angus all are injured.

Aberdeen will be without David Robertson, but they are able to call on the likes of Brian Irvine and Ian Robertson.

Also, the Dons will play Charlie Nicholas believing that his restlessness will not prevent him from doing a decent day's work.

Indeed, since he has expressed a wish to leave Pittodrie, it will be to his benefit to play well.

Dunfermline, who beat Celtic last week, could give a 19-year-old midfield player, Eddie Connington, the opportunity to make his first-team debut in their match against Dundee United at East End Park.

United have listed two keepers, but it is likely that Alan Main, who did not play well against Royal Antwerp in midweek, will continue to keep Billy Thomson on the bench.

David Narey requires a fitness test on his injured shin.

Colin O'Neill, who has played his role in Motherwell's impressive rise, has been given the all-clear after illness, and he could return to active duty against St Mirren, who must feel as though they have been forsaken.