Falkirk v Hibs: Confirmed line-ups, kick-off time and where to watch
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Here is all you need to know about this season defining tie at the Falkirk Stadium that is finely posed at two each...
Kick-off time: 19:45pm
Where to watch: BT Sport 1
Falkirk team (4-4-2): Rogers; Muirhead, McCracken, Watson, Leahy; Alston, Vaulks, Kerr, Sibbald; McHugh, Baird.
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Hide AdSubs from: Mehmet, Gallacher, Hippolyte, Miller, O’Hara, Shephard, Smith.
Unavailable: Grant and McGrandles (both injured).
Team news: Tom Taiwo was subbed off in the draw at Easter Road after taking a knock, it will be a late call whether he is fit to play or not. Giving how his team played, that should be the only change Peter Houston has to make to the starting lineup, although he may tinker and start Myles Hippolyte. Those missing in action are long-term absentees Connor McGrandles and Peter Grant.
Hibernian team (4-4-2): Logan; Gray, McGregor, Hanlon, Stevenson; McGeouch, Fyvie, McGinn, Henderson; Keatings, Stokes. Subs from: Oxley, Fontaine, Gunnarsson, Bartley, Boyle, Dagnall, Cummings.
Unavailable: Carmichael and El Alagui (both injured).
Team news: Alan Stubbs’ big decisions are whether he drops Conrad Logan for his error in Falkirk’s second goal on Tuesday and if he persists with Anthony Stokes and Jason Cummings up front. He cannot call upon striker Farid El Alagui, who is dealing with a troublesome hamstring or winger Daniel Carmichael, who is out with a groin issue.
Referee: Craig Thomson.
Key Falkirk player: Luke Leahy.
The left back’s ability to swing a ball into the box is a threat that has been Hibernian’s Achilles heel on more than one occasion in their stint in the Championship. As well as an attacking threat, his defensive efforts must be equally as important if Stubbs moves away from the diamond formation and unleashes Boyle’s pace into proceedings.
Key Hibernian player: John McGinn.
McGinn is the heartbeat of that Hibs midfield and lifts the others when he is in fine fettle. Considering the chemistry problems between the front two, it may fall onto this man and his set-piece ability to produce that magic moment. When in possession he will need to up the tempo from the meandering pace that played into the Bairns’ hands in the first half of the first leg.
Last five meetings: Hibs 2-2 Falkirk; Hibs 2-2 Falkirk; Falkirk 1-1 Hibs; Hibs 1-1 Falkirk; Falkirk 0-1 Hibs.
Odds: Hibs 11/10 Draw 5/2 Falkirk 13/5 (odds from Sky Bet)
What Falkirk are saying: “I was living with a Hibs-daft family, the Marinellos, It was nice because I was away from home and not near my own family so it was great to stay with a family. They looked after me well. Maybe if I score the winner they won’t invite me back for dinner.” (Myles Hippolyte, Forward)
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Hide AdWhat Hibernian are saying: “A few of the boys in there haven’t been in this situation before where these are must-win games. Listen, we’re all fully focused on the games. We know exactly the magnitude of the task ahead of us. But I don’t think anyone is afraid.” (Anthony Stokes, Forward)