Hibs Women midfielder Ciara Grant is ready for an "interesting" battle at Broadwood Stadium this weekend.
The Hibees take to the pitch for the final time this year on Sunday (22 December) in ScottishPower Women's Premier League action, heading west to take on Rangers.
Jo Potter's side were unbeaten domestically until they they were defeated - and leapfrogged to top spot in the league - by Glasgow City at Petershill Park.
"They are going to be very disappointed from their heavy loss against Glasgow City," Grant said.
"It will be interesting to see how they come out. They know what to expect against us and they will be ready.
"But we have confidence from our last game and some recent performances. I’m sure we’ll give it a good crack."
Hibs are currently in fourth-place and head into the encounter six points behind second-place Rangers - with a game in hand over their Glasgow rivals.
Grant Scott's side were the last team to take points from Rangers - back in October - until City defeated the previously unbeaten outfit last time out. A stoppage-time equaliser cancelled out Eilidh Adams' earlier spot kick, cruelling denying Hibs a superb victory at Meadowbank.
It has been an improved start to the new campaign compared to last season. By Christmas Day 2023, the Hibees had accrued 29 points in 16 games - a sizable drop from the 33 points collected in 15 matches this time around heading into Sunday's fixture.
"I think it has been really good," said Grant, regarding the season so far.
"The first round of fixtures, we got some really good results. The development from last year, you can see it in the results, especially against the lower teams.
"We are racking up a lot of goals and competing with the teams above us too.
"It is so close in the top five teams. Any points lost or gained is very important.
Grant also believes heading into the festive period potentially seven points better off than last season would be a massive plus, and would grow confidence ahead of the second half of the league season.
"If we finish positively this weekend, it’ll be perfect going into the break," she said.
"We can come back in refreshed and ready to go again."
