Defeats to Celtic and Hearts on Thursday further demonstrated Scotland’s decline on the European stage.
Three consecutive defeats in the Europa League with Celtic is a stark contrast to the start of their Premier League defense, with only three points dropped so far.
Beating last season’s runners-up Hearts again underlined how difficult it will be for anyone else to win the league this term.
Struggling Hibernian host Martin O’Neill’s side on Sunday as new Easter Road manager Marink Reedijk lost their first two games in charge and sought to end a run of six Premier League games without a win, during which there was just one draw.
The Easter Road outfit had the highest proportion of match time conceded this season (49.7%).
Celtic may be disappointed after Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo, but Hibs have a tougher task.
The same is true of Motherwell. Five losses on the bounce have put a degree of pressure on manager Alfred Johansson after an otherwise bright start to the season.
Visitors Hearts have won four away from home in all competitions this season with two wins in 10 away games.
However, the Tynecastle side are seven unbeaten against Well, although three of their four meetings last season were drawn and their last three outings have all finished level.
The big question for Wouter Vranken’s side is how they will respond to a heavy defeat at Celtic Park on Sunday and a 2-0 defeat away to Trabzonspor in the Conference League.