Hibs: What needs to happen for Easter Road side to secure top-six berth?

But it’s not just events in Gorgie that could influence the top and bottom half of the top flight. The Dundee derby, Aberdeen’s match against Ross County, Motherwell’s trip to Livingston, and the Sunday game in Paisley between St Mirren and Rangers could all influence the Easter Road side’s final five fixtures as well as deciding the top six.

Seven teams separated by just four points are fighting for three places. Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts already know in what half their final matches will take place but the teams in fourth place through tenth – Dundee United, Motherwell, Hibs, Ross County, Livingston, Aberdeen, and St Mirren.

It is possible that the team who finishes in fifth place could also be playing European football next season so there is an extra incentive for the seven clubs.

It couldn’t be simpler for Hibs – they have to record a victory against their Capital rivals to ensure a top-six finish.

They are unbeaten at Tynecastle since May 2018, and have won two of their last five away derbies, while the two previous Edinburgh derbies this season have finished in goalless draws.

A point for Hibs would be enough to secure top-six football but they would need a few results to go their way elsewhere.

Ross County and Aberdeen would need to draw, and anything other than a Livingston victory at home to Motherwell would also help.

The maximum number of points St Mirren can get is 39 if they beat Rangers but their goal difference would be inferior to Hibs’ and given their current form, it would be a big ask while St Johnstone, only six points behind, will be looking to avoid the relegation play-off spot so the Buddies are fighting on two fronts.

Not necessarily. Hibs are currently on 38 points but if they lose narrowly