Preview: Hibernian vs. St Johnstone - prediction, team news, lineups

Following consecutive goalless draws, Hibernian will be aiming to find their shooting boots once again on Saturday when they welcome St Johnstone to Easter Road.

The visitors remain in the relegation zone with a nine-point gap between themselves and safety, adding more pressure onto this particular fixture.

Match preview

© Reuters

Hibernian have secured consecutive draws in their most recent outings, with both matches finishing goalless, showcasing their defensive capabilities, while also being left frustrated with their attacking output.

Finding the back of the net has proven to be a serious issue for the squad as of late, as they have only scored in one of their previous six matches, which is also the only victory the Hibees have managed.

The poor form is something that Shaun Maloney is looking to fix immediately, especially since their most recent result saw them slip down the table into fifth place.

However, Hibernian could make their way back into the fourth spot with a victory at the weekend if other results go their way, but they will need to improve their performances to make that happen.

The Hibees have been stronger at home than away this season, which the squad will take confidence from, yet a defeat has the possibility of seeing the squad drop down to ninth.

© Reuters

St Johnstone found themselves on the end of a 1-0 defeat in midweek when they faced Rangers, with a third-minute goal from Glen Kamara proving to be enough for the Gers.

This was the second loss in a row for the Saints, who continue to find themselves in the relegation zone, with the gap to safety increasing, with Aberdeen now being nine points away.

Callum Davidson's squad have also suffered from a lack of goals this season, having only scored 18 times throughout their 29 fixtures, which is the lowest in the division.

However, three of their five victories this season have taken place away from home in this campaign, and that could give them some belief heading into this match.

During their two previous meetings it was Hibernian who took all six points, but the Saints will be pushing, and hoping that they can get revenge this time out.

Team News

© Reuters

Hibernian will be without Rocky Bushiri this weekend after he received a red card during the midweek fixture, meaning there will be at least one defensive change made.

Kevin Nisbet is also not available to Maloney, after his injury last Sunday has ruled him out for the entire season, meaning Christian Doidge will get the chance to lead the line.

Callum Hendry will be in line to start up front for St Johnstone once again this Saturday, while Ali Crawford shall likely sit behind in the attacking midfield role.

Davidson could continue to push using three at the back in a bid to provide even more of an attacking threat with his extra midfielders, which might be necessary.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Dabrowski; Blaney, Porteous, Stevenson; Cadden, Doyle-Hayes, Campbell, Doig; Wright, Henderson; Doidge

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Parish; Brown, Gordon, McCart; Sang, Hallberg, Butterfield, Gallacher, Crawford; Hendry, Ciftci

We say: Hibernian 1-1 St Johnstone

Neither team have been able to thrive with their performances as of late, and the lack of goals that each squad has scored recently means this game will likely not feature many.

Hibernian have drown a lot of fixtures recently, and this could be another example, especially since St Johnstone have got to fight for every point possible.

Previews by email