Head Coach David Gray is heading to Pittodrie this weekend, hoping to extend Hibs six-game unbeaten run in what is the club’s final match before the split.
Hibs currently sit fifth place in the league, three points behind Motherwell – with six games remaining – and Gray insists spirits are high in the camp at the moment.
Speaking to Hibs TV Gray said: “The week’s been really positive; we’re off the back of a brilliant result and three points last weekend. A clean sheet, three goals and there’s a lot to build on.
“This is the last game before the split and it’s an opportunity for us to go up there and try to get three points against a side whose recent form maybe hasn’t been where they’d want it to be. But we’re very aware this will still be a difficult game.
“I’ve said before, with the number of games left and how tight the league is from top to bottom, everyone has something to play for. So I fully expect a tough test, but our mindset is the same as last week – to control what we can.
“Other teams around us are playing difficult games, so we need to make sure we’re doing our job. If we can go there, get three points, and then assess things going into the split, that’s the focus.”
Hibs go into this one off the back of an impressive 3-0 victory over Kilmarnock – a result that saw the players keep a third consecutive clean sheet.
“Defensively, we’ve been really good recently, which is pleasing”, Gray continued.
“It gives you a platform to win games. I’ve said consistently this season that we’ve been creating chances, but we’ve needed to be more clinical and we certainly showed that last weekend.
“We got off to a brilliant start and were very ruthless and that made the difference. If we can continue to be clinical while maintaining that defensive record, it’s a good recipe – and it should mean we pick up more points than we drop.”
Hibs face an Aberdeen side that has not won in their last nine league fixtures; however, Gray expects a difficult test at a challenging venue.
“We’re expecting a tough opponent. They’ve got a lot of quality players who have played at a high level and they’re a good side, we know that.
“We’re also aware that changes in management can sometimes bring a reaction, so we need to be prepared for that. At the same time, we’re going into the game in a really good place ourselves.
“The focus this week has been on building on last weekend – understanding what we did well and making sure we can repeat and improve on that.”
When speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, Gray also provided a team news update – with one player ruled out for the season and one returning.
“In terms of team news, Nicky Cadden is back in full training this week, which is a big positive. The game just came slightly too soon for him last weekend, but it’s great to have him back involved.
“The one setback is Rudy Molotnikov, who has unfortunately picked up another ankle injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season. We’ll now make sure he gets the right treatment and has a strong pre-season, because we believe he has a very bright future at the Club.”
