April Fools prepare for basement battle

Hibernian find themselves at the wrong end of the SPL just three points above bottom club Dunfermline and eight points adrift of Inverness, and it's maybe appropriate that they are playing each other on April Fools day.

These two clubs have struggled all season to steer a course clear of relegation and as we approach the business end of the season they are still battling to stay ahead of the Pars, although Inverness would appear to have the best chance of avoiding the drop out of these three clubs.

Inverness' roller coaster season has seen plenty of contrasting fortunes. Lot's of dips, a few highs but there does not seem to be any middle ground and consistency is a word not used in these parts anymore, unless we talk about Ross County. Hibs have fared even worse so far and they parted company with Colin Calderwood some sixteen games ago, with Pat Fenlon taking over the reigns in November. Sadly for them, he has only succeeded in having a worse record than the previous encumbent, gaining only nine points from those games. Hibs goal difference is shockingly bad at minus 29, and for a club like Hibs to produce that statistic then something is drastically wrong down Leith direction.

Disappointment all round for both clubs on their last outing. Inverness slumped badly at home losing to high flying St Johnstone to a dubious Sandaza penalty, but it was the lack of creativity and slackness on the ball that left the home fans numb and CTO forum user Libero summed it up in one word perfectly, and that word of the week was disheartened. Hibs did not best please Mr Fenlon either as they went down 2-0 to the Arabs at Easter Road. He reckons they are suffering from a lack of confidence; sounds familiar.

So, we have two sides playing rubbish with no self-belief, frightened to try attacking football for fear of relegation, shipping goals, and disgruntled fans all around us, aye, that's the SPL for you. Stll, we are a strange bunch us football fans and we thrive on these happenings, therefore we will be back in the ground on Sunday for 3:00pm to witness the next installment of life in the lower half of the SPL ................ bring it on!

ajsict92 is enjoying it so much, he has started writing about it and theres no stopping him now as he has another preview ready for your pleasure, read on........................

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Two of a kind...

When I look at ICT and Hibs, I immediately think two things. One is that both sides are in a false position in the table given the squads they have on paper, and two is that both sides seasons have suffered as a direct consequence of failing to put together any real run of form throughout the entire season. Both teams have very different reasons for what has caused this but I must admit it is a very frustrating sight watching a team fail to reach its potential.

Anyone who was forced to sit through the dross that was served up to us on Wednesday would have left the game scratching their heads wondering where all the fighting spirit against Aberdeen had gone. Indeed that was the reaction of Terry Butcher who, not for the first time, described it as "11 strangers" that played against St Johnstone and insisted that changes would be made for this weekend. With reports saying that he will have Gillet, Hayes and Doran back at his disposal it really isn't any wonder. Safe to say that ICT's form throughout this season could have been very different had it not been for the amount of injuries picked up all at once and paticularly to such key players like Doran, Hayes and I suppose you could add Andrew Shinnie to that list when you look at what a key player he was this season. You look at those three players and you could safely say that they would be our main creative influence on the pitch and I think the lack of quality we've seen in games like the St Johnstone match is a direct result of not having these players available. Hopefully having two out of those three back could bring about a bit of form and fortune between now and the end of the season.

Another home game with Hibs brings about the welcoming of another new Hibs manager to TCS, Pat Fenlon who was appointed in November (the clubs 3rd manager in as many seasons). He boasted a wonderful record in Ireland winning two titles, a league cup and an FA cup with Bohemians and was seen as the man to turn around the rotten form Hibs were suffering under Colin Calderwood but his presence has brought about little change with Hibs only picking up three wins since his appointment and Hibs being deprived of a goal since late February. They also had a very busy time in the market with eight new faces being brought in as Fenlon looked to establish his mark on the side. The impatience of the Hibernian board seems to have been the main factor behind the teams rise and very mighty fall. I remember hearing many Hibs fans feeling that the sacking of John Hughes at the start of last season was a harsh decision and it's safe to say that given the dramatic decline of the team in terms of form and the subsequent appointment of 2 different managers since Hughes's dismissal you could say that perhaps they were right.

It was only the 2nd fixture of the season way back in August when Hibs picked up their first ever win at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium when Garry O'Connor's last minute strike proved to be the difference. It was a game in which ICT dominated and on another day probably would've coasted home. Open goals were missed, posts were struck and blatant penalty shouts were denied. Who thought this would end up being the story of the season. Terry Butcher took the boys down to Easter Road just after Christmas. A 1-1 draw was the result between the teams, Pat Fenlon picking up his first point as Hibs boss in that game. Garry O'Connor was again the thorn in our side but no one will ever forget the wonderful solo goal from our own Jonny Hayes that night. Picked it up before the half-way line and took off, skipping his way through multiple attempts to close him down before unleashing a low, crisp drive into the bottom corner to send the ICT loyals behind the goal delirious. Indeed the real shining moment in what was otherwise a very average game.

ajsict92's prediction :- It is essential that ICT bounce back from the dismal display during the week and I see this as an opportunity to right the wrongs from the previous performance and I'm sure Terry Butcher will be trying to scream (literally) that message across to his players. The potential return of our best wingers Hayes and Doran would be a very welcome one having been deprived of having both fit for a large chunk of the season. They may well be a bit rusty but if we can get them involved in the game they could make a real difference in our quest for a result. Hibs may have had a torrid season but it can't be denied they have some very talented players. Garry O'Connor has a dozen goals to his name this season which is not a bad return. They also have the crafty, quick influence of Leigh Griffiths though I better not say too much about him, he might batter me if I do. For me I can see us grabbing a 2-0 win from this one. As Terry says the team have mostly bounced back from bad performances this season and will be looking for more of the same. From a Hibs perspective morale is low, they are on a serious goal drought and they really dont enjoy coming up here but I wouldn't write them off completely.

Where's Lukey??? :- For all those that aren't at the match and are watching it on the box courtesy of ESPN be sure to look out for the blonde bombshell that is Luke Mackay. Luke is a regular poster on the forum under the quickly thought out name "lukemackay" and has been lucky enough to have been spotted by the cameras in every televised match ICT have featured in this season. To make this easy for you look out for a lad that looks like Robert Eagle, wears dark trackies and will no doubt be wearing his ICT colours and will be situated up in the Section E area throughout the match. He'll no doubt be hiding at the back and going mental if a goal goes in, you can't miss him. (hmmnnnn, will he be wearing his beard on Sunday?)

***Latest Team News***

Terry Butcher has stated that he will make changes to freshen up the side, and that's not difficult to understand after the midweek slump. Still out though are Chris Hogg, Andrew Shinnie and Ryan Esson. The long awaited return of Aaron Doran is fast approaching and Jonny Hayes and Kenny Gillet look set to be included in the squad. So, if all of these guys are fit and raring to go then there will definitely be alterations to the starting eleven with Josh Meekings also available after his red card at Aberdeen.

Pat Fenlon is struggling to turn Hibs fortunes around and he might have to do so without captain Ian Murray who is hampered by a hip injury. He could have better luck with Jake McPake and Danny Galbraith who have shaken off knocks, but ex-County midfielder Martin Scott will not take part after being told he is surplus to requirements and is available for loan.