Preview: Inverness Caledonian Thistle vs. Hibernian - prediction, team news, lineups

After finishing as the runners-up last season, Inverness Caledonian Thistle will be attempting to go one step further in the Scottish Cup this time around as they look to get their hands on a winners medal.

Hibernian are the next team to stand in their way, with the two set to face each other on Saturday in the fifth round of the competition.

Match preview

Inverness was the surprise package of the Scottish Cup last season, going all the way to the final despite not being one of the favourites at the start of the tournament.

Caley Thistle ultimately fell at the final hurdle in the final against Celtic, as the Hoops picked up a comfortable 3-1 win as Daniel MacKay's goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

Despite being in the bottom half of the Scottish Championship at the moment the Scottish Cup has once again proved to be a welcome distraction for the team, who will be able to play with an element of freedom on Saturday.

While Inverness dominated in the fourth round with a 4-0 win over Broomhill, Duncan Ferguson will require an improved performance than what he saw from his men during their most recent outing.

Caley Thistle were beaten 1-0 by Queen's Park FC last weekend, with the focus for the hosts being on providing a better account for themselves this time out.

On the other hand, the visitors struggled in the Scottish Cup last season as they were beaten in the fourth round, but Hibernian will not be happy resting on the fact they have already improved upon that effort this time around.

The Hibees defeated Forfar in the previous round, but it proved to be a much closer game than most expected as a 69th-minute goal from Christian Doidge was enough to separate the two.

Nick Montgomery's men have failed to win a game since that point, though, going four matches in a row without a victory in the Scottish Premiership.

A bigger concern for Hibernian is the fact they have conceded 10 goals during that period and as the team that boasts the second-worst defensive record in the Scottish top flight, there is a chance their opponents can cause problems.

Of course, being in the league above will make Hiberninan the favourites heading into this match, but it will also bring an element of pressure that could make this a difficult fixture to nagivate.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle Scottish Cup form:

• W

Inverness Caledonian Thistle form (all competitions):

• L
• W
• L
• W
• W
• L

Hibernian Scottish Cup form:

• W

Hibernian form (all competitions):

• D
• W
• L
• D
• L
• L

Team News

Aribim Pepple made his debut for Inverness last weekend off the bench after signing on loan from Luton Town, and the young forward could be an option from the first whistle after getting more training with the team under his belt.

Elsewhere, James Carragher is dealing with an injury at the moment, but Luis Longstaff did return to the matchday squad last weekend which was a boost for the squad.

Hibernian are currently dealing with a plethora of injuries as Josh Campbell and Jake Doyle-Hayes are both out of action at the moment, while Paul Hanlon has also been on the sidelines.

However, the Hibees were able to welcome Martin Boyle back for the recent defeat against Celtic following his time away from the club representing Australia in the Asian Cup.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle possible starting lineup:
Ridgers; Chilokoa-Mullen, Devine, Savage; Kerr, Anderson, Gilmour, Harper; Shaw, Samuel; McKay

Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Marshall; Megwa, Fish, Triantis, Obita; Newell, Levitt; Youan, Boyle, Maolida; Vente

We say: Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1-2 Hibernian

The hosts might have thrived in this competition last season, but they will still be the underdogs heading into this game, and it is Hibernian that will be expected to progress.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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