Preview: Dundee United vs. Hibernian - prediction, team news, lineups

Like their hosts, Hibbs enter the weekend in the bottom half of the table, with the four-time Scottish champions having struggled so far this season.

Match preview

Last weekend's victory over Kilmarnock eased the pressure on incumbent Hibbs boss Lee Johnson, following what had been a stuttering start for the Edinburgh outfit.

A run of four matches without a victory had come and gone for Hibbs, following a tight 1-0 victory over St. Johnstone in the opening game of the season.

While only Celtic have a better defensive record than Hibbs, it's at the opposite end where they have had the most problems, as Johnson's side have netted just six times so far.

Harry McKirdy arrived from League Two Swindon Town to try and alleviate their goalscoring problems, with the 25-year-old making his debut in the weekend victory over Kilmarnock.

Victories are not a currency United have dealt in this season, with the side from Dundee sitting rock bottom of the Scottish Premiership after six matches.

From those six encounters, United have lost four, including the 9-0 thumping at home to leaders Celtic just two weeks ago.

That defeat saw former boss Jack Ross relieved of his duties, with United now on the search for a new boss to help aid their situation.

Whoever arrives through the door at Tannadice, their first objective will be to fix the leaky defence, as United have conceded 18 times in those six matches so far - an average of three goals every game.

It is not the ideal fixture for United to bounce back with, as they boast one victory in their last 12 meetings with Hibbs.

An imperious record against the Dundee outfit, history suggests Hibbs should run out winners on Saturday, with a victory set to extend their current five-game winning streak away to United at Tannadice.

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

Dundee United form (all competitions):

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

Team News

Stuck in a rut, United will have to try and amend their poor start without the services of Peter Pawlett, whose Achilles tendon problem is likely to keep him out for the rest of the month.

Steven Fletcher is one of just two United goalscorers so far this season, with the veteran striker likely to lead the line for the home side once more.

For Hibbs, their injury list is a little lengthier, with Kyle Magennis, Maciej Dabrowski and Aiden McGeady, nearing a return to fitness, but unlikely to be involved this weekend.

A hamstring injury has cast doubt on Demetri Mitchell's participation, but the defender could make the squad for Saturday's game.

The same cannot be said for Kevin Nisbet, who will be missing until November at the earliest due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Eriksson; Mulgrew, Edwards, Graham; Behich, McGrath, Levitt, Harkes, Smith; Fletcher, Watt

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Cadden, Porteous, Hanlon, Cabraja; Kenneh, Campbell, Newell, Henderson, Boyle; Youan

We say: Dundee United 0-2 Hibernian

There has been little to write home about for United this season and with their wretched record against Hibbs, it is likely their misery will continue this weekend.

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