When we played Hibs a few months ago they were really struggling, but former Buddie Mixu Paatelainen has turned things around since taking charge. A place in Europe is a real possibility, which is good going when you consider the fact they weren't even in the top six when Mixu took over. Some of the players he brought in - such as Colin Nish and John Rankin - have done well, while he seems to be getting the best out of the players who were already at Easter Road, particularly Dean Shiels.
Hibs have produced a number of talented youngsters in the last few years, a number of which are now plying their trade with the Old Firm. However, it seems bigger things await their latest starlet. Top scorer Steven Fletcher recently made his Scotland debut and is supposedly attracting interest from no less a club than Real Madrid! Whether or not that comes to anything is anyone's guess, but chances are he won't be with Hibs for long.
Saints will have David Barron and Franco Miranda available again for tomorrow's game as the pair have completed their suspensions. However, David van Zanten is probably out for the rest of the season while Gary Mason's back problems look set to rull him out. There are also problems with Richard Brittain and Craig Molloy, who both picked up nasty cuts from broken glass during training this week. On a more positive note, Will Haining and Ian Maxwell should be fit enough to play.
Youngsters Mark McAusland and Mark Docherty both made decent debuts against Gretna last week, but they'll probably have to make do with a place on the bench once again. Up front, Craig Dargo finally scored last week and will now be looking to make up for lost time, while one of Billy Mehmet and Jim Hamilton will have to make way.
We've beaten Hibs twice this season but I can't see it happening a third time, and with the way they're playing I reckon they will win quite comfortably.