Hibs could face third away trip to Motherwell

The Edinburgh club have already travelled to Fir Park twice, winning 3-1 in September but going down 1-0 in February after Liam Miller was sent off, a red card later rescinded.

But with the need to ensure all clubs end the season having played an equal number of the campaign's 38 matches home and away, it seems certain John Hughes' side will make another trip to Lanarkshire.

Hibs will have enjoyed 17 of their 33 games at home when the split comes into operation after the last round of fixtures, meaning it's most likely they'll only have two of their last five matches at Easter Road.

Should Hearts secure their place in the top six against Kilmarnock, a fourth Edinburgh derby of the season would take place at Easter Road with Rangers the other visitors.

Hughes' side would be left facing visits to Celtic Park and Tannadice with a third trip to Lanarkshire on the cards as Motherwell, who will have had only 16 home games, would be entitled to three post-split fixtures at Fir Park.

Although Hughes hasn't yet given up hope of overhauling Dundee United for third spot, the Tannadice outfit's eight-point lead appears unassailable, leaving Hibs and Motherwell to fight it out for fourth place. Although finishing fifth could earn a place in next season's Europa League should Celtic and Dundee United reach the Active Nation Scottish Cup final, at the moment only fourth spot carries that guarantee.

A philosophical Hughes said: "That's just the way it works out, another year it could be in our favour. I don't know when the fixtures come out but we are delighted to be in the top half. The table doesn't lie, it's what you do over the course of the season and I'm sure other clubs would love to be in the top six with us."