Hibernian v Motherwell preview

Hughes: Has Hibs riding high

Related links

Teams

• Hibernian
• Motherwell

Also see

• SPL fixtures
• SPL table
• SPL stats

Hibernian will be looking to keep pace with Rangers and Celtic when they entertain Motherwell.

Hibs currently sit third, level on points with the Gers and two behind the Hoops, and could go top this weekend if other results go their way.

Well will have aspirations of putting a serious dent in their rivals' bid to reach the summit, but their only defeat this season did come against John Hughes' side back in September.

Hibernian will make sure Graham Stack suffers no reaction in training following his back injury before making a decision on their goalkeeper.

Stack had to be substituted in last weekend's 2-0 win over Falkirk and manager Hughes will persist with understudy Yves Ma-Kalambay if the former Arsenal trainee is not 100% per cent fit.

Midfielder Kevin McBride is again rated 50-50 after being forced to sit out his first SPL game of the season on Saturday with an ankle injury, while Kevin McCann (hamstring) remains sidelined.

Steve Jennings will return to the Motherwell squad after missing the draw against Dundee United with an ankle injury.

Shaun Hutchinson (hamstring) and Chris Humphrey (ankle) remain on the sidelines while Marc Fitzpatrick and Darren Smith are continuing their rehabilitation programmes.

Paul Slane has suffered a minor niggle in his bid to return from two operations on his lower leg but Motherwell are confident he will be back over the festive period.