Hibernian

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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "First half especially, I thought we were really good. If we had taken our chances, maybe we would've made it a little bit more comfortable earlier.

"Second half, I think was a classic example of us finding a way to win the game because I don't think we were at our best second half. We lost that control that we had in the first half but we still had big moments in the game and I think over the piece deserved to win the game.

"[Elie Youan] could've had more [than two goals]. Very good week."

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Kilmarnock will assess Tom Lowery, who went off with a tight thigh at Dundee on Tuesday.

They hope to have Scott Tiffoney back and new defender Michael Schjonning-Larsen could feature.

Max Stryjek (heart), Kyle Magennis (knee), Jamie Brandon (ankle/groin), Djenairo Daniels (knee) and Matty Kennedy (hip) remain out.

Hibernian could welcome back Jordan Obita and Migual Chaiwa from international duty but Rocky Bushiri is still away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kieron Bowie is likely to return after illness but Martin Boyle (hamstring) and Nicky Cadden (calf) are set to miss out.

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Warren O'Hora hopes Hibs are about to hit top gear as they target three straight wins for the first time this season.

David Gray's side are fifth in the Scottish Premiership but have struggled for consistency this term.

However, they beat league-leaders Hearts in the Edinburgh derby before a 2-0 win over Aberdeen last time out.

"Hopefully it is a bit of a catalyst now to make us kick on," defender O'Hora said before Saturday's trip to struggling Kilmarnock. "We're always looking forward, trying to catch the team in front, and Saturday we can do that again.

"The leaders, the seconds, the thirds, that's somewhere that we want to be, no doubt about it, somewhere that we feel we should be, but we can't get too ahead of ourselves. You can only go game by game.

"It's important for us that we look at Saturday only, no further than that because that's the next big thing that we need, we need the three points."

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• Kilmarnock have won just one of their past 15 Scottish Premiership meetings with Hibernian (D6 L8), and are winless in their past eight (D5 L3) since a 1-0 triumph in November 2022.

• Hibernian have drawn each of their past four away league visits to Kilmarnock, despite scoring the opening goal in three of those four trips.

• Having beaten St Mirren 2-0 in their first league game of 2025, Kilmarnock could start two successive years with a league win for the first time since doing so in 2014 and 2015 (both wins over St Mirren).

• Hibernian haven't won their first league game in any of the past five calendar years (D2 L3) since a 2-1 victory over Hamilton Academical in 2020.

• Kilmarnock are winless in their past 13 league games (D3 L10), their longest run in the top flight since a run of 14 between September 1999 and February 2000.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Goal of the year

Throughout the year there have been some spectacular and important goals scored by Hibernian players and I have whittled these down to a final three.

Keiron Bowie's incredible strike at Easter Road against Partizan Belgrade.

Jack Iredale's strike that flew beyond Craig Gordon in March to give Hibs a 2-1 win over their city rivals.

Josh Campbell's header in the 3-2 win over Hearts last weekend.

And the winner is, without question, Keiron Bowie. A stunning goal by a young man with an incredibly bright future.

Result of the year

There have been some notable wins in 2025. The wins against Hearts are always savoured more than others, as are any victories over the Old Firm. But the one I have chosen is the 2-0 away win in Belgrade in August.

In the most hostile of atmospheres the team showed a disciplined performance that few expected. Scoring twice away from home in Europe is a rarity for Scottish clubs so to do so against a team with a rich European history was no mean feat.

Player of 2025

There are a number of contenders for Hibernian's player of 2025.

Rocky Bushiri has been a stand-out performer throughout the year. His dominance at centre-back has been pivotal in the relative success the team have had.

Whenever Nicky Cadden plays he provides a threat with his delivery from the left-hand side, bringing numerous goal-scoring opportunities for the striker and the attacking midfielders.

But the addition of Jamie McGrath in the summer, for me, is the signing of the year. He has quickly become a fan favourite and as well as providing opportunities for teammates, he is also capable of finding the net himself and will be a huge asset moving forward.

Quote of the year

"I am going for a lie down," said head coach David Gray after the pulsating five-goal thriller win against Hearts last weekend.

I'm sure that reflected the sentiments of many Hibs fans inside Easter Road as they watched their team race into a 3-0 lead only for Hearts to claw two goals back in the final 15 minutes.

The players and management joined in with the fans for a fantastic rendition of Sunshine on Leith at full-time.

Looking forward

With the year ending on a high the expectation from Hibernian fans is now for the team to kick on and push themselves towards another European spot.

They face a tricky tie at Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup but should they come through and then have a favourable draw then there is no reason why dreams of a return to Hampden in May should not be fulfilled.

Hibernian head coach David Gray is untroubled by transfer speculation surrounding Kieron Bowie and Josh Mulligan. (Sun), external

Gray feels there is "a lot more to come" from his current squad. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Tam McManus believes former club Hibs can win the Scottish Premiership in such an unpredictable season. (Record), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

Hibs hope to have Miguel Chaiwa and Jordan Obita back from Africa Cup of Nations duty in time for Saturday's Premiership trip to Kilmarnock after losing two key players to injury.

Boss David Gray is waiting to learn the extent of calf and hamstring issues sustained by Martin Boyle and Nicky Cadden in victories over Hearts and Aberdeen respectively.

But he could have Chaiwa and Obita back as Zambia and Uganda's elimination from the tournament means the duo can return to Edinburgh.

"I think Miguel and Jordan could potentially be back," Gray said.

"They're both key players in the squad, they've played a lot of games and they're going to continue to do that. They will definitely be strong additions back into the group.

"And because you've got Jordan Obita playing a similar position to Nicky, if he's going to be missing the weekend, if we can get Jordan back, he certainly strengthens in that area."

Joint top scorer Kieron Bowie missed Tuesday's 2-0 win over Aberdeen through illness but Gray said: "I fully expect him to be okay for the weekend."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Hibs backed up their derby victory with another comfortable performance against Aberdeen.

Their 2-0 win puts them right back into top four contention, and they have two players in my team of the week.

Scotland international Grant Hanley has been a worthy addition, stiffening the Hibs backline.

Midfield tyro Josh Mulligan keeps getting better. There was big interest in the summer and it was a coup for Hibs to get him with big admirers sniffing around. An excellent signing who seems to be attracting interest again.

We asked for your thoughts after Hibernian's 2-0 win over Aberdeen.

Here are some of your comments:

Kenny: After a tough game on Saturday we were a bit leggy in the first half but we played very well in the second half to pick up another three points. The manager and players deserve a lot of credit for another great result and the icing hopefully will go on the top of the cake at Kilmarnock on Saturday. Well done all.

Sandy: Considering players being away at Afcon, out injured and unwell, David Gray got the best of the rest to put in another big performance. Thumbs up to Kanayo Megwa, Thibault Klidje, Elie Youan and Jamie McGrath out of position. Brilliant second half and a Hibs side on the up and up! Well deserved 2-0 win.

Gordon: Well done guys, another big three points. Would've easily fallen flat on our faces after Saturday and admittedly first half was pretty flat, but we picked up performance levels in second period and deserved the win. Unfortunately both Rangers and Motherwell picked up wins also, but let's go for three wins on the bounce against Killie at the weekend and hopefully those around us drop points.

Trevor: Glad to see a little fight coming back into the team. If that squad puts it in there is no reason why they can't go on and win the league. Man for man they are the best team, only need confidence and a slight rub of the green.

Chris: No Kieron Bowie, no problem! Great performance. A couple more wins and the Hibee juggernaut could be arriving at destination title race!

Joe: Following an emotional win against city rivals Hearts on Saturday, on top of missing several players through injury and international duty, David Gray's side could almost be forgiven for being sluggish. That wasn't the case as Hibs ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against an Aberdeen side close behind them in the table.

Watch the best of the action from Hibernian's comfortable 2-0 win over Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK users only)

Hibernian turned in a strong second-half showing to dismiss Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership and move six points clear of their visitors at Easter Road.

Have your say on Hibs' display.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray : "Delighted for the players, it was a huge win after everything that went into the derby.

"We spoke before the game about a fast start and building on the momentum - I thought it was a bit flat to be honest. Understandably so. Having to try and go again and the emotional side of it.

"Second half I thought we were very good and deserved to win the game. A clean sheet is always important.

"Now when you look at back-to-back wins. You need to win your home games but it's difficult to do that against two really good sides."

On Martin Boyle's muscle injury, Gray said: "It's far too early to say. He feels positive about it. But when you see him pull up the way he did at the speed it was running, it's unlikely there's nothing there."

Gray also expects Kieron Bowie to be back for the Kilmarnock game and potentially two of the three players at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Those are Rocky Bushiri, Jordan Obita, and Miguel Chaiwa.

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Former Rangers, St Mirren, Dundee and Falkirk forward Rory Loy believes Hibernian won't be worried about how they faded at the end of the Edinburgh derby, as all that matters in these games is winning.

And Loy sees parallels with Hibs' Tuesday visitors Aberdeen, who have been picking up points despite not playing all that well.

"David Gray'll just be delighted they got over the line because had they conceded a last-minute equaliser it would have changed the complexion of the week entirely," Loy said of Hibs' 3-2 home win over Hearts on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It doesn't matter how you win a derby. You could be 5-1 up and win 5-4, it doesn't matter as long as you win it.

"So, that will give them great belief going into tonight. Aberdeen, I wouldn't say they're in great form in terms of how they're playing but you know they seem to be picking up points whether it's one point, three points through playing OK.

"So, if Hibs turn up tonight, they'll fancy themselves in terms of getting three points and you know, before you know it, the top five or six teams in the league could be looking very, very tight and it could become very exciting."

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

What a weekend it was to be a Hibee with an unlikely derby win giving us the bragging rights heading into 2026. Hearts fans will take comfort that they're still top of the league, but a Hibs win was not in the script as far as they were concerned as they piled into Easter Road expecting a comfortable win.

I have to say it never entered my thoughts on Saturday morning that Hibs would do anything other than win, usually I'm a bag of nerves for this fixture but I was sure the team would turn up this time – thankfully I shared this prediction with others before the match, so I'm not being Captain Hindsight here!

I didn't expect it to be so comfortable, though – the early goal totally rattled Hearts and Hibs were so much on top in the game that Hearts didn't muster a shot on target until almost 70 minutes had been played.

The only blemish on a great afternoon was not taking the chance to really run riot with the scoreline – we missed chances to make it 4-0 and again to put the tie beyond Hearts late on after they'd rallied with a couple of late goals.

For all the scoreline looks like the game was close, Hearts' only real attacking moments came when the game was lost, at 3-0 down they threw the kitchen sink at us and tactics went out the window as they hoped for a way back into the game.

Thankfully, and despite an error for Hearts' second goal, Hibs have unearthed a diamond in goals, with Raphael Sallinger pulling off an incredible save in the dying moments to ensure all three points stayed with the sunshine in Leith.

David Gray deserves plenty praise for getting that performance out of a team that was minus three internationalists missing because of Africa Cup of Nations participation, which meant he had to play young Kanayo Megwa at right-back in what must only be his third or fourth top-flight start, and when Nicky Cadden had to be replaced early in the game, Gray relied on the excellent Jamie McGrath to play out of position at left wing-back.

Both Megwa and McGrath put in stunning performances and more than deserved to come out on the winning side of a pulsating derby.

With Aberdeen up next for Hibs, Gray must use the work rate and effort shown on Saturday as the benchmark for what's demanded of the team in every match from now.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

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Hibernian's Nicky Cadden is doubtful after a calf injury forced him off against Hearts on Saturday, while Rocky Bushiri, Miguel Chaiwa and Jordan Obita are on international duty.

Rudi Molotnikov is close to returning after an ankle injury.

Aberdeen have Dylan Lobban available following suspension.

Fellow defenders Gavin Molloy and Kristers Tobers are still out with knee injuries.

Wolves are monitoring Hibernian and Scotland striker Kieron Bowie, 23, as they prepare for relegation to the Championship. (Patreon.com - subscription required), external

Hibs midfielder Josh Campbell suggests "anyone can win" this season's Scottish Premiership. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Josh Campbell wants Hibernian to back up their thrilling Edinburgh derby triumph with victory over Aberdeen on Tuesday as they search for the type of consistency that ignited their season last winter.

Hibs surged from bottom of the table in December 2024 to third place by the end of the campaign.

They currently occupy fifth place in the Scottish Premiership, having dropped points on a regular basis.

Campbell believes Hibs should be higher in the league and hopes Saturday's 3-2 victory over league leaders Hearts can act as a catalyst.

"That was a statement win from us and we need to build on it and hopefully we can climb up that table," said the midfielder, who came off the bench in the first half to score the second goal.

"This time last year we were down towards the bottom, but then we went four wins on the bounce.

"That shot us up the table and this could be the start of something like we started last year."

Campbell, 25, has started only one league game this term, while his excellent header at the weekend was his first goal of the campaign.

"The manager's brought players in, especially Jamie McGrath, who's been exceptional," said Campbell, who has a career-best five goals and four assists against Aberdeen.

"He's been a great signing for us and he showed his quality again. I've just been patient and you have to be.

"You have to train and go to work as if you're about to play every game. Then if you're called upon, you have to deliver.

"Trying to get up to the speed of a derby when I came on, about 30 minutes in, that's one of the worst feelings in the world, hands down.

"But I just stuck to what I know and managed to score. It's what you dream of, isn't it?"

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• Hibernian have lost just one of their last nine home league games against Aberdeen (W6 D2), a 0-4 defeat in May 2024 under Nick Montgomery.

• Aberdeen have lost three of their last four league games against Hibernian (W1), as many as their previous eight beforehand (W2 D3 L3).

• After beating Kilmarnock 1-0 in their final league match of 2024, Hibernian could end two consecutive years in the top-flight with a win for the first time since doing so in 2012 (v Celtic) and 2013 (v Kilmarnock).

• Aberdeen have both scored and conceded in each of their last five league games, last doing so six times in a row in February 2022.

• Only Hearts pair Lawrence Shankland (51) and Cláudio Braga (49) have had more shots in the Scottish Premiership this season than Aberdeen's Jesper Karlsson (46). However, all five of Karlsson's goals in the league this term have come at Pittodrie, failing to score with any of his 21 shots away from home.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Josh Mulligan (Hibernian): Brings a buzz of dynamism and power to all parts of the pitch. Not for the first time I'm forcing this versatile player into my side as an auxiliary right-back.

Jamie McGrath (Hibernian): Scored the Edinburgh derby opener, delivered an assist for the second and generally delivered a fair bit of everything in what was a statement Hibernian victory.

Kieron Bowie (Hibernian): Tireless and dynamic display from the Scotland international, who grabbed the third all important goal as Hibernian vanquished Hearts.

Celtic are among a growing list of clubs showing an interest in highly-rated Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan. (Daily Mail), external

Read all of Monday's Scottish football gossip

Watch highlights as Hibernian beat Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts in an epic Edinburgh derby at Easter Road. (Available to UK users only)