Hibs could still have a very good season - but no margin for error in league and cup run-in

An Edinburgh derby semi-final on the horizon is hard to ignore but if Hibs still harbour hopes of finishing fourth then the remaining games must be their sole focus in the short-term.

The Scottish Premiership, between places four and ten, is incredibly tight.

Dundee United, Hibs’ next opponents, are on 39 points thanks to that late winner from (who else?) former Easter Road striker Marc McNulty; Hibs and Livingston are on 37 points separated only by goal difference; Ross County, Motherwell, and St Mirren are all on 36 points with the Staggies enjoying a greater goal difference than the Steelmen and the Buddies, and Aberdeen are on 35 points but with a better goal difference than any of the teams above them.

The penultimate round of fixtures after the international break could give us a clearer picture going into the final pre-split games, or it might not. As mentioned, Hibs host Dundee United; Livingston travel to St Johnstone; Ross County welcome Hearts to Dingwall; St Mirren are at Motherwell, and Aberdeen make the trip down the east coast to Dundee.

The Terrors have already beaten Hibs convincingly at Easter Road although Hibs have won twice at Tannadice, once in the league and once in the Premier Sports Cup.

Livingston and St Johnstone have a win apiece and a draw from their last three meetings, while the Staggies have drawn their last three home games with Hearts. Of the last seven league meetings between Motherwell and St Mirren there have been four draws, one ‘Well win, and two Buddies victories.

As for Aberdeen and Dundee, there hasn’t been a draw between the two teams since May 2015 with one win for either side so far this term.

The league campaign so far this season paints an unpredictable picture. As things