Hibernian vs Kilmarnock

Hibernian, buoyed by their recent 1-0 victory over Hearts in the Edinburgh derby on Boxing Day, are gearing up for their next Scottish Premiership challenge. They return to the familiar confines of Easter Road Stadium to take on Kilmarnock in what is set to be their 20th match of the 2024 campaign. This clash holds significant importance for Hibernian, who will be aiming to secure their fourth league victory in a row and close out the year on a high note.

The win over Hearts not only marked a major psychological boost for the team but also ended a frustrating five-match winless run against their Edinburgh rivals. This triumph was especially sweet for Hibernian supporters, as it showcased the resilience and determination that the team had struggled to display earlier in the season. The victory was also a pivotal moment for manager David Gray, who had endured a period of underwhelming results that had left many questioning his leadership. However, Gray's side have now regained momentum, and heading into their final match of 2024, they will be the favorites to emerge victorious against a Kilmarnock side that has struggled in recent encounters with Hibernian.

In their previous ten meetings, Kilmarnock have only managed one victory over Hibernian, a narrow 1-0 win in November 2022. This historical record will be a source of confidence for the Hibees as they prepare for the encounter at Easter Road. While the result of this particular match won't propel either side into the top six, it is still crucial for both teams, as they aim to gain ground on the sixth-place position currently occupied by Motherwell.

Hibernian’s form in the final stretch of 2024 has been much improved, with four wins in their last five Premiership outings. After a sluggish start to the season, they appear to have hit their stride at the perfect time, just as they approach the turn of the year. Their most recent victories have been indicative of their growing confidence, and Gray will be hoping that the momentum continues into the New Year. The Boxing Day win over Hearts was particularly significant as it not only ended their winless streak against their local rivals but also marked their third consecutive top-flight victory. This achievement underscores the transformation Hibernian have undergone since the early weeks of the season.

The team's performance against Hearts was a hard-fought one, with the match featuring two own goals, but it was Dwight Gayle’s decisive strike that sealed the three points for Hibernian. Gayle’s contribution was crucial, and his form in recent weeks will be vital as Hibernian look to extend their winning run. The victory also showcased the defensive resilience of Hibernian, who managed to keep Hearts at bay despite the occasional misstep. The Hibees' defense has been solid in recent weeks, and this has been a key factor in their improvement, with the team having conceded fewer goals in their last few matches compared to earlier in the season.

For manager Gray, the recent victories are a testament to the progress the team has made since their early struggles. In particular, the back-to-back wins over Livingston and St. Mirren highlighted the team’s ability to secure results against teams in the lower half of the table. Gray’s tactical adjustments, combined with a more disciplined approach from the players, have allowed Hibernian to find their rhythm and start to challenge for a top-half finish. Their current form suggests that they are well on track to achieve this goal, but consistency will be key if they are to push further up the table in the coming months.

One of the key areas where Hibernian have improved is their ability to grind out results. This was evident in their hard-earned victories over Hearts and Livingston, where the team showed resilience and determination to hold onto narrow leads. While they may not have been dominant in these matches, they demonstrated a tactical maturity that had been lacking earlier in the season. Gray will be hoping that his team can continue to show this composure in their upcoming match against Kilmarnock.

Despite Hibernian’s recent resurgence, they have struggled to win consecutive matches at home this season. Their last such achievement came at the start of the year, when they secured three straight wins against Dundee, Ross County, and Livingston. However, Easter Road has not been as much of a fortress for them this term, with inconsistent performances at home. This is an area Gray will be keen to address, and a win over Kilmarnock would go a long way in bolstering the team's confidence ahead of a busy 2024 schedule.

As for Kilmarnock, they head into the match in mixed form. Under the guidance of manager Derek McInnes, they have shown flashes of quality, but their inconsistency has been a significant hindrance. Their recent performances have been a mixture of disappointing results and encouraging displays, leaving McInnes with much to ponder as he prepares his side for the trip to Easter Road. Kilmarnock’s most recent outings have seen them draw 1-1 away to both Dundee United and Motherwell, which followed a humbling 6-0 defeat at the hands of Rangers on December 4. These results have highlighted some of the vulnerabilities in Kilmarnock’s game, particularly in their ability to compete with the league’s top teams.

However, Kilmarnock have shown resilience in recent home matches, securing vital wins over Hearts and Aberdeen. Their 4-0 victory over Aberdeen was particularly impressive, as it matched their biggest win in nearly a year and sent a strong message to their rivals. McInnes will be hoping that his side can replicate this level of performance when they travel to Easter Road, but they will need to overcome their poor away form, which has seen them pick up just two points from a possible 15 in their last five league matches on the road. This dismal record will likely weigh heavily on the minds of the players as they prepare for what is sure to be a tough encounter against an in-form Hibernian side.

Kilmarnock’s record against Hibernian is also a major concern heading into this clash. The Pride of Ayrshire have won only one of their last ten meetings with the Hibees, and they will need to overcome this historical disadvantage if they are to have any chance of emerging with a positive result. McInnes has struggled to get the better of Hibernian in recent seasons, and he will be well aware that his side will need to be at their best if they are to end the year on a high note.

While the match may not have a direct impact on the top six race, it still holds significant importance for both teams. Hibernian will be looking to maintain their momentum and continue their push for a top-half finish, while Kilmarnock will be keen to put pressure on the teams above them. A win for either side would not only provide a much-needed boost to their respective campaigns but also serve as a platform for further success in 2024.

As the year draws to a close, both Hibernian and Kilmarnock will be eager to end 2024 on a high note. For Hibernian, a victory would extend their impressive run of form and give them confidence heading into the New Year. For Kilmarnock, a win would offer a much-needed morale boost and signal that they are capable of competing with the best in the league. With both teams eager to finish the year strong, Sunday’s match promises to be an intriguing and highly competitive encounter.