Source: Team_Talk
Hibs eager to trip up Gers - Mixu
Both sides will be aware of what they have to do to meet their goals, with Rangers heading into the weekend's Scottish Premier League fixtures a point behind leaders Celtic, who face Aberdeen on Saturday.
Hibs, meanwhile, hold a one-point advantage over Motherwell as they try and clinch the final top-six spot, with their Fir Park challengers knowing they can heap on the pressure with a victory over St Mirren 24 hours earlier.
Paatelainen's side are aware that, whatever Motherwell do, victory on Sunday will be enough to see Hibs finish an inconsistent season in the top half of the league instead of scrapping it out with the relegation-threatened teams below.
And he insists the top-six prize will drive his side on just as much as
the carrot of a championship win will inspire their visitors.
He said: "Of course, we would like to be involved in the top six and this weekend will decide that, so it will be an interesting weekend.
"Needless to say, my players will be as motivated as the Rangers players.
"We know the stakes, we know it is a massive game, and we realise also that it is a very difficult one, because of Rangers.
"They are chasing the title every year and by merit again this season.
They are full of quality players who win week-in, week-out and it will be
very difficult."
With a 2-0 victory against Celtic already under their belts this season, Paatelainen believes Hibs are fully capable of providing one more twist to the Old Firm's title race and taking another step in their own development by reaching the top six.
And he believes Rangers' defeats to both Inverness and St Mirren earlier in the campaign also show his side's task is not impossible.
He added: "It could be a massive step for the players to get into the top six and the boys are full of belief now.
"Obviously, we will be very positive in the dressing room and trying to get everybody physically and mentally ready. But, at the end of the day, it is another match.
"We have beaten Celtic at Easter Road this season, so why can't we beat Rangers? Rangers have lost against Inverness and St Mirren, so why can't we do it?"
Rangers 4/6, Draw 13/5, Hibernian 9/2
