MX23RW : Saturday, August 29 20:41:26| >> :120:4950:4950:
Aug 23, 2020 at 4.30pm UK at McDiarmid Park
St JohnstoneSt Johnstone
0-1
HibernianHibernian

McNamara (12'), Hendry (56'), Craig (90+1')
Craig (90+4')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Mallan (90+1' pen.)
Hanlon (21'), Allan (63')

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

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture between St Johnstone and Hibernian, including team news and predicted lineups.

Hibernian take on St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon looking to maintain their unbeaten record since the beginning of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the Saints head into the contest at McDiarmid Park on the back of losing their first home game of the season to Aberdeen on Thursday night.


Match preview

Sunderland manager Jack Ross pictured on September 1, 2018© Reuters

Ahead of last weekend's fixtures against teams they were favoured to overcome, Hibs and Rangers were the only teams who had put together a three-match winning streak.

However, like Rangers discovered at Livingston, Hibs found it more difficult than anticipated to break down opposition in Motherwell who were determined to get back on track after a slow start to the season.

Even after dropping their first points in four outings, Hibs will frequently find themselves facing teams who are determined to raise their performance levels against them while they sit in the upper echelons of the table.

Although that will come as no surprise to manager Jack Ross, it could act as a wake-up call to his players who are not showing the same kind of touch in the final third after an initial flurry of six goals from their first two matches.

Naturally, the positives will be taken from sitting three points clear of third spot, but Hibs will now be wary of champions Celtic quickly closing down the gap now that they have been given permission to play their games in hand.

From St Johnstone's perspective, Callum Davidson must find a way to lift his side after they lost their first home game of the season earlier this week.

Davidson had previously spoken about returning to McDiarmid Park after three matches on the road, but they failed to take advantage of playing in familiar surroundings against Aberdeen.

Despite still remaining as high as seventh place, two setbacks in three games have left St Johnstone within two points of 11th spot in the standings.

With games to come against two of the top five, Davidson requires a reaction from his squad if they are to avoid being dragged into a cluster of teams closer to the relegation zone.

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form: DLWL

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form: WWWD


Team News

Callum Davidson pictured in 2018© Reuters

St Johnston boss Davidson must decide whether to retain the 3-5-2 formation which he used against Aberdeen.

Craig Conway is pushing for a recall in midfield, while Christopher Kane and Stevie May are back in contention after injury.

Barring any late fitness issues, Ross may opt to retain the same Hibs XI which began versus Motherwell.

Steve Mallan is line to be part of the squad after stepping up his recovery from a knee injury.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Parish; Gordon, Kerr, McCart; McNamara, Wotherspoon, Craig, McCann, Tanser; O'Halloran, Hendry

Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Marciano; McGinn, Porteous, Halon, Doig; Boyle, Gogic, Newell, Horgan; Nisbet, Doidge


SM words green background

We say: St Johnstone 1-2 Hibernian

Despite having to wait over a week for their next game, we feel that the break will only benefit Hibs as they bid to keep pace at the top. A quick turnaround after a disappointment may also aid St Johnstone's efforts, but the fresher legs of the visitors is likely to prove key here.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or draw in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Draw:data

ID:411016:

Who will win Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash between St Johnstone and Hibernian?

St Johnstone
Draw
Hibernian
St Johnstone
15.4%
Draw
11.5%
Hibernian
73.1%
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Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson pictured in April 2018
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1RangersRangers65101101116
2Hibernian541082613
3Ross County62226608
4Celtic32107257
5St Mirren521235-27
6St Johnstone621347-37
7Dundee UnitedDundee Utd621348-47
8Aberdeen32013216
9Kilmarnock61239905
10Livingston612359-45
11Hamilton AcademicalHamilton510429-73
12Motherwell502325-32

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