Source: Team_Talk
Mixu seeking happy Hibs ending
The Easter Road boss knows a better record against the likes of Inverness and Kilmarnock, from whom they only garnered two points, would have seen his side currently competing for a Europa League spot.
Instead, however, they have to be content with having a say in the destination of the prizes being handed out to others.
Wednesday night's 1-1 draw with Rangers helped blow the championship wide open with only two games to go and the capital men now face Celtic on Sunday knowing all eyes will be on how they fare against the new league leaders.
And, having seen his side earn an Edinburgh derby win against the odds last week against city rivals Hearts, Paatelainen is keen to see his squad finish a frustrating season on a high.
He said: "There are two teams that we haven't done well enough against for our liking: Kilmarnock and Inverness.
"But we have played poorly against the top teams as well. Against Dundee United a couple of weeks ago, I don't think we played as well as we could have and should have.
"Yes, we have beaten Celtic this season and have taken a point from Rangers. We have played really well against Hearts in the league and beaten Dundee United and Aberdeen.
"But there's been poor matches against them as well and I wouldn't say we play consistently well against the better teams.
"On the other hand, we've taken maximum points from Hamilton, which I think is a great achievement, because they are a good team.
"Hopefully, we will keep playing well against the top teams. Now, we are facing Celtic - another top team - and hopefully we will get a good performance."
Meanwhile, Paatelainen has dismissed claims Burnley and Lokomotiv Moscow have re-ignited their previous interest in striker Derek Riordan following his back-to-back goals.
The 26-year-old was the match-winner against Hearts and scored a magnificent goal in the draw with Rangers, but Paatelainen is not concerned by reports of possible bids for the former Celtic marksman.
He said: "I must be honest, that is the first time I have heard about that. I don't read fans' websites or gossip columns or anything like that."
Celtic 4/9, Draw 11/4, Hibernian 6/1
