Hibs star David Marshall has highlighted two reasons why the Leith club will finish above bitter rivals Hearts in the race for third before the month's break for the World Cup begins.
Hibs are currently on a downwards spiral in the league having lost their last three games in the league, sitting fifth in the table and two points behind Aberdeen and St Mirren in the race for third. With four games left in the Scottish Premiership before the World Cup break, clubs across the country will be looking to give themselves the best possible ending to start the festive period on the front foot.
But with the Dons, Buddies and the Jambos all rivalling Hibs' for the 'best of the rest' tag - Marshall has detailed reasons why they can finish ahead of their close competitors - alluding to Hearts' fatigue from European football and Liam Boyce's injury as reasons why their rivals won't finish ahead of them in the running for third spot, alongside Aberdeen's managerial uncertainty.
“The break is a focus in terms of getting players back in, where you want to be and getting yourself in a good position," Marshall said.
“We’ve got four massive games and got an opportunity to really put ourselves in a good position so I don’t think we’re one for waiting for getting everyone fit and looking to push on after the break. We’ve got four massive games and winnable games. We’ll be looking to put ourselves into third position before the break.
“Aberdeen, Hearts as well, are two of the bigger clubs in the country that expect consistency and expect to be finishing third. Aberdeen have had a change of manager and Hearts have European football, which is a big drain on their squad and a big injury to Liam Boyce. It’s still there for everyone, St Mirren have done really well, Livingston have started well too. It’s still up in the air.”