Hibernian v Motherwell: Team newspublished at 18:10 GMT 9 January
18:10 GMT 9 January
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Hibs are without Josh Campbell, Martin Boyle (both hamstring) and Nicky Cadden (calf) but Jack Iredale and Kanayo Megwa are both expected to be fit after being forced off with injuries against Kilmarnock last weekend.
Rocky Bushiri and Miguel Chaiwa are both back in contention after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Motherwell have a doubt over Elliot Watt with a muscle problem. Andy Halliday, Jordan McGhee and Aston Oxborough are closing in on returns while Regan Charles-Cook (ankle) remains out with long-term absentees Filip Stuparevic (knee), Sam Nicholson (knee) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).
Gray on transfers, Motherwell test & injury latestpublished at 14:24 GMT 9 January
14:24 GMT 9 January
Charlotte Cohen BBC Sport Scotland
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Hibs head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Saturday's game against Motherwell.
Here are the main points:
On the transfer front, Gray says Hibs' position is "still very much as it has been" and stresses "we're working extremely hard to try and improve the group if it can be done, that work never stops".
He adds: "It's not as if we're doing anything in the next 24 hours, it's just a case of working hard and seeing what we can do before the end of the window."
But he insists "the passion right from the top is to try and make the club better".
The 37-year-old is expecting a sellout crowd and "brilliant game against Motherwell" as Hibs look to move fourth with a fourth straight win, adding: "You don't get a better opportunity to catch the team in front of you than playing them at home."
Motherwell eased to a 2-0 victory when the teams last met and Gray admits his side "weren't at our level" and the performance "was very unlike us".
But Gray insists "my big focus is on us and building on the momentum we've got" before Saturday's match.
Nicky Cadden and Martin Boyle both miss out again through injury but Gray is hopeful of having them back for next weekend's Scottish Cup tie against Dunfermline.
Josh Campbell has a hamstring issue that will keep him out for three weeks. Jack Iredale and Kanayo Megwa, who were both forced off injured against Kilmarnock last weekend, "should be available".
Hibernian v Motherwell: Pick of the statspublished at 09:42 GMT 9 January
09:42 GMT 9 January
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Hibs have won two of their past three home league games against Motherwell (L1), after having only won one of their previous six beforehand (D3 L2).
After their 2-0 victory in November, Motherwell could win back-to-back league games against Hibs within a single season for the first time since 2013-14.
Hibs have won their past three league games, and could win four in a row for the first time since December 2024.
Motherwell have won their past two league matches, last winning three on the bounce in September 2023.
Motherwell have kept eight clean sheets in their past nine league games, shipping just one goal in this run (v Rangers in December). They are the first side to concede as little as one goal over a run of nine Scottish Premiership matches since Celtic from October to December 2024, and first non-Old Firm club (Celtic/Rangers) to do so since Hearts from November 2017 to January 2018.
Hibs keen on striker Cadamarteri - gossippublished at 08:46 GMT 9 January
08:46 GMT 9 January
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Hibernian have had a £1m offer to sign 20-year-old Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri rejected by the Championship club's administrator as it is less than Blackburn Rovers' bid months ago. (Alan Nixon on Patreon - subscription required), external
Hibs are exploring the possibility of acquiring Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri but have not offered £1m and would not expect to pay anything near that figure for the Jamaica international. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
'Sign Dykes' & a right-back - fans' January wishlistpublished at 16:47 GMT 8 January
16:47 GMT 8 January
We asked you for your views on what business Hibs should do in the January transfer window.
Here are some of your comments:
Rob: Another striker! Kieron Bowie needs help and someone with experience is needed - Lyndon Dykes would be perfect. He knows the league and knows how to score.
Scott: Priority should be a stronger right wing-back. Chris Cadden is solid enough, however is a bit predictable and doesn't carry much threat - we could do with an upgrade in that position. Otherwise its a case of keeping hold of everyone - especially Josh Mulligan and Bowie!
Sandy: Please sign Dykes, we only need a striker. And sign Dan Barlaser permanently. That's all that's required. Our squad is top drawer.
Paul: A couple of full-backs, a forward-thinking midfield player and a forward please.
John: The key issue is we don't sell either Mulligan or Bowie in the January window as we don't need to. Assuming they both stay I would not bother with any new signings in the current window as the squad seems fine right now. Much better doing business at end of the season.
Neil: Definitely a right-back, another striker and a creative midfielder. Hopefully hold on to our best players and get rid of a few of the fringe players.
Paul: We definitely need a new right wing-back we always look weak on that side and the better teams target us there. A bullish centre forward to ease the load on Bowie and a holding midfielder who doesn't mind being the most hated guy on the pitch would do me.
Matty: I'd say the biggest priority should be a right-back and maybe another centre-back for back-up.
Darren: We need a striker and a right-back. Dykes would be a godsend, a cheeky loan bid for Nathan Patterson so he's back in World Cup contention?
Hibs a 'good but not great team' - Neilsonpublished at 12:32 GMT 8 January
12:32 GMT 8 January
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Former Hearts and Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson thinks Hibs have "gone under the radar" with their performances this season.
Having struggled for consistency, Hibs have now won three in a row for the first time this season and can go fourth with victory over Motherwell on Saturday.
"I think they're a solid team but I don't think they're an outstanding team," Neilson told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"It's difficult because you're probably comparing them against a strong Hearts team and a really good Motherwell team as well.
"They've picked up recently because they're scoring the chances they get.
"I think having Kieron Bowie in that striker position has given him a bit of a lift. But because he's quite young he goes up and down, so he'll score kind of unpredictably. Maybe score for four or five games and then not for a few weeks.
"Hibs are a good team, but they're not a great team. And I think we've got a few really good teams outside the Old Firm this year, so they've kind of gone under the radar a wee bit."
Scottish coach and analyst John Walker suggests Hibs' European commitments contributed to their slow start to the campaign.
"We always see Scottish teams struggle with that adaption of the early start of the season when you're playing Thursday-Sunday and it knocks people out," he said.
"When you look at Hearts I think this is why they are probably in the best position they're ever going to be to win this title, it makes such a difference being able to have your week already set."
What do Hibs need in January window?published at 14:16 GMT 7 January
14:16 GMT 7 January
The transfer window has been open a week and Hibs have yet to do any January business.
While the return this week of Rocky Bushiri, Miguel Chaiwa and Jordan Obita from Africa Cup of Nations duty will be welcomed by David Gray, the Hibs boss has expressed an eagerness for new signings.
So who would you like to see join the club? And which positions should be a priority?
Flying 'under radar' suits Hibspublished at 14:25 GMT 6 January
14:25 GMT 6 January
Matty Fairnie Fan writer
A tantalising meeting with Motherwell awaits after Hibs made it three wins in a row with a comfortable, if unspectacular, victory over Kilmarnock.
Motherwell were deserving winners last time the sides met. That 2-0 loss was done by half-time and probably Hibs' worst defeat of the season as we couldn't cope with Motherwell's slick passing and relentless pressing.
Since then, Motherwell have been in fine form and sit two points ahead of us. 'Well have been spoken about as being in the mix for the title race with Celtic, Rangers and recent derby losers Hearts.
Although we're just two points behind the Steelmen and can leapfrog them at Easter Road on Saturday, most pundits haven't given Hibs a second thought as potential title challengers, and with good cause.
It's unlikely Motherwell will be troubling the top spot come the end of the season either, but the fact Hibs have gone under the radar is probably a good thing.
Hibs have been quietly going about our business, happy to let others take the attention while we've been picking up points despite a heavily depleted squad.
David Gray has been without Jordan Obita, Miguel Chaiwa and Rocky Bushiri due to the Africa Cup of Nations, while Martin Boyle, Nicky Cadden and Kieron Bowie have missed game-time through injury or illness.
It's credit to Gray that he's managed to squeeze out performances and results at a time of year when the schedule is hectic and unforgiving, and he'll be hoping Malky Mackay can provide him with ready-to-play reinforcements in this January window.
If Hibs can sign well in January then we're well placed to catch a few people by surprise in the latter stages of the season.
Hibs midfielder makes TOTWpublished at 15:02 GMT 5 January
15:02 GMT 5 January
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Jamie McGrath (Hibernian): Simply another outstanding all-round display from the Hibernian midfielder as his side ran out 3-1 winners against Kilmarnock.
Dundee have sell-on for Hibs midfielder Mulligan - gossippublished at 08:12 GMT 5 January
08:12 GMT 5 January
Dundee managing director John Nelms reveals they will receive a sell-on fee if in-form midfielder Josh Mulligan leaves Hibernian. (Courier - subscription required), external
'Everyone can gush about Hearts while Hibs go about business'published at 11:01 GMT 4 January
11:01 GMT 4 January
We asked for your thoughts after Hibs dispatched struggling Kilmarnock.
Here's a taste of what you had to say:
Niall: Just what the doctor ordered going into what feels like a huge game against Motherwell. Should've been ahead by more, but felt like when we kept the ball and played our game we were always a threat. A great win at a ground where we usually find it very tough.
Gordon: Excellent week for Hibernian. A win next week against Motherwell puts us right in the mix. Let the whole of Scotland gush about Hearts while we go quietly about our own business.
John: After a really slow start to the season we are now performing at the level we should be and the squad is being used well. Great to see and would love to see a positive signing to show the desire to push at the top of the league.
Kenny: A great ending to the holiday season with three wins. Rugby Park is always a difficult place to go but the boys showed plenty of grit to get the win. With Celtic losing it has opened up the chance to get second place. Another few wins and we could be challenging for the title.
Kilmarnock 1-3 Hibernian: Have your saypublished at 17:46 GMT 3 January
17:46 GMT 3 January
Two goals from Elie Youan and a Jamie McGrath penalty ensured Hibernian made it three Scottish Premiership wins in a row with victory over a Kilmarnock side whose winless run in the league was stretched to 14 games.
Kilmarnock 1-3 Hibernian: What the manager saidpublished at 17:42 GMT 3 January
17:42 GMT 3 January
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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "First half especially, I thought we were really good. If we had taken our chances, maybe we would've made it a little bit more comfortable earlier.
"Second half, I think was a classic example of us finding a way to win the game because I don't think we were at our best second half. We lost that control that we had in the first half but we still had big moments in the game and I think over the piece deserved to win the game.
"[Elie Youan] could've had more [than two goals]. Very good week."
O'Hora hopes Hibs can 'kick on' after successive winspublished at 23:05 GMT 2 January
23:05 GMT 2 January
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Warren O'Hora hopes Hibs are about to hit top gear as they target three straight wins for the first time this season.
David Gray's side are fifth in the Scottish Premiership but have struggled for consistency this term.
However, they beat league-leaders Hearts in the Edinburgh derby before a 2-0 win over Aberdeen last time out.
"Hopefully it is a bit of a catalyst now to make us kick on," defender O'Hora said before Saturday's trip to struggling Kilmarnock. "We're always looking forward, trying to catch the team in front, and Saturday we can do that again.
"The leaders, the seconds, the thirds, that's somewhere that we want to be, no doubt about it, somewhere that we feel we should be, but we can't get too ahead of ourselves. You can only go game by game.
"It's important for us that we look at Saturday only, no further than that because that's the next big thing that we need, we need the three points."
Kilmarnock v Hibernian: Pick of the statspublished at 15:36 GMT 2 January
15:36 GMT 2 January
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Kilmarnock have won just one of their past 15 Scottish Premiership meetings with Hibernian (D6 L8), and are winless in their past eight (D5 L3) since a 1-0 triumph in November 2022.
Hibernian have drawn each of their past four away league visits to Kilmarnock, despite scoring the opening goal in three of those four trips.
Having beaten St Mirren 2-0 in their first league game of 2025, Kilmarnock could start two successive years with a league win for the first time since doing so in 2014 and 2015 (both wins over St Mirren).
Hibernian haven't won their first league game in any of the past five calendar years (D2 L3) since a 2-1 victory over Hamilton Academical in 2020.
Kilmarnock are winless in their past 13 league games (D3 L10), their longest run in the top flight since a run of 14 between September 1999 and February 2000.
And the award goes to...published at 14:01 GMT 2 January
14:01 GMT 2 January
Brian McLauchlin BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Goal of the year
Throughout the year there have been some spectacular and important goals scored by Hibernian players and I have whittled these down to a final three.
Keiron Bowie's incredible strike at Easter Road against Partizan Belgrade.
Jack Iredale's strike that flew beyond Craig Gordon in March to give Hibs a 2-1 win over their city rivals.
Josh Campbell's header in the 3-2 win over Hearts last weekend.
And the winner is, without question, Keiron Bowie. A stunning goal by a young man with an incredibly bright future.
Result of the year
There have been some notable wins in 2025. The wins against Hearts are always savoured more than others, as are any victories over the Old Firm. But the one I have chosen is the 2-0 away win in Belgrade in August.
In the most hostile of atmospheres the team showed a disciplined performance that few expected. Scoring twice away from home in Europe is a rarity for Scottish clubs so to do so against a team with a rich European history was no mean feat.
Player of 2025
There are a number of contenders for Hibernian's player of 2025.
Rocky Bushiri has been a stand-out performer throughout the year. His dominance at centre-back has been pivotal in the relative success the team have had.
Whenever Nicky Cadden plays he provides a threat with his delivery from the left-hand side, bringing numerous goal-scoring opportunities for the striker and the attacking midfielders.
But the addition of Jamie McGrath in the summer, for me, is the signing of the year. He has quickly become a fan favourite and as well as providing opportunities for teammates, he is also capable of finding the net himself and will be a huge asset moving forward.
Quote of the year
"I am going for a lie down," said head coach David Gray after the pulsating five-goal thriller win against Hearts last weekend.
I'm sure that reflected the sentiments of many Hibs fans inside Easter Road as they watched their team race into a 3-0 lead only for Hearts to claw two goals back in the final 15 minutes.
The players and management joined in with the fans for a fantastic rendition of Sunshine on Leith at full-time.
Looking forward
With the year ending on a high the expectation from Hibernian fans is now for the team to kick on and push themselves towards another European spot.
They face a tricky tie at Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup but should they come through and then have a favourable draw then there is no reason why dreams of a return to Hampden in May should not be fulfilled.
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