Former Hibernian midfielder Scott Allan believes it will be a "difficult task" for Lee Johnson's men to overcome Hearts at Tynecastle on Monday.
Hibs have won just two of their last 10 Scottish Premiership games and lie in the bottom six, five points behind their Edinburgh rivals - who also have a game in hand. Pressure is mounting on boss Lee Johnson and Allan expects a busy January window for the Easter Road club as they look to get their season back on track. He also identified the prolific form of Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland, who will be looking to add to his tally of 13 goals this season and ensure Allan's old employers remain without an away win against the Jambos for over three years.
He told Sky Sports: “Lawrence Shankland is back scoring goals and heading into the New Year derby he will be looking to get more. Hibs haven't won there since 2019 so it is going to be a difficult task for Hibs.
"It's a derby, a one-off occasion, but I think with Shankland scoring goals and the experience they have throughout their team, it will be a hard task for Hibs.
"I think the transfer window is going to be huge for Hibs and what way they come out of that transfer window.
"I know they are looking to offload a few players and maybe get some in. But they need to come out this transfer window a lot stronger to push on for the second half of the season."
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