Victories have been in short supply recently for Mixu Paatelainen's men, with last Saturday's goalless encounter with St Mirren preceded by defeat to Celtic and a draw with rivals Hearts in last month's Edinburgh derby.
Victories have been in short supply recently for Mixu Paatelainen's men, with last Saturday's goalless encounter with St Mirren preceded by defeat to Celtic and a draw with rivals Hearts in last month's Edinburgh derby.
Today, the Easter Road side face an Inverness team who will be desperate to bounce back from their 5-0 hammering against Rangers last Saturday.
With only two points separating Dundee United in third from Hearts in eighth, Souleymane Bamba admits sixth-placed Hibs are in desperate need of a win as they enter a period of three games in eight days.
"This is a must-win game," said Bamba, "last week, against St Mirren we were very disappointed because we played three up front and we didn't pass the ball very well. But we are ready for Saturday and hopefully we are going to get the win."
Bamba has held down a regular place in the team in recent weeks, benefiting from the absence through injury of Chris Hogg in the centre of the Hibs defence.
With Hogg now having recovered from the headache and vision problems he suffered following a bout of concussion he sustained back in August, Bamba knows he has to maintain his form if he is to retain his starting spot.
The 23-year-old former Dunfermline player is eager to ensure he does everything he can to prove to Paatelainen he deserves to remain in his first-team plans.
He added: "I got a chance earlier than I expected but I have worked very hard in training every day. I know we all need to fight hard for our places but I try to do my best in training and the manager makes the decision.
"The manager said that if I work hard every day and play well in training then I would get my place in the team, and that's what I've tried to do. I've really enjoyed getting a run in the team. I'm just looking for us to get more victories."
Craig Brewster, meanwhile, is ready to draft goalkeeper Ryan Esson into his starting line-up in place of regular No.1 Michael Fraser, who conceded five goals at Ibrox.
Esson has started all three of Inverness's Co-operative Insurance Cup ties this season while Fraser has been ever-present in the league. However, Fraser was at fault for the first two goals against Rangers and may be dropped as Caley look to end a run of five consecutive defeats.
Brewster said: "Michael has been excellent for us but it might be time for Ryan to take over. Ryan is an experienced goalkeeper. He has had to bide his time but he'll probably get his chance."
