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

While the home side occupy bottom spot in the standings, Hibs are in sixth place as they bid to earn a top-six spot before the cut-off in three matches time.

Match preview

When Lee Johnson was in charge of Bristol City, his reign seemed to be dominated by undefeated and losing streaks, and that has been mirrored at Hibs of late.

The Edinburgh-based outfit collected 17 points from a possible 21 before they went into their triple-header with Rangers, Celtic and resurgent Motherwell.

Although Hibs were able to net in each of those matches, they conceded 10 times, most notably losing 3-1 to the latter at Easter Road last time out.

While Hibs remain seven points ahead of Motherwell in the race for sixth place, that result has only given encouragement to that particular team and Livingston, who are one point adrift in seventh.

With the derby against Hearts to come next weekend, Johnson will recognise that it would hugely benefit his team if they can get back on track on Sunday.

From Dundee United's perspective, they have recently appointed Jim Goodwin in a bid to arrest their slump in form, and there is an argument that two points being accumulated from four matches is better than is expected.

Securing draws against Livingston and St Mirren - both of whom sit in the top seven - were definitely points gained, even though Dundee United had led for 70 minutes versus the latter.

Losing at Rangers in the following match was expected, yet Goodwin will be slightly encouraged that his defence managed to restrict the Glasgow giants to just the two goals.

St Johnstone and Ross County - the teams in ninth and 11th places - square off on Saturday, and regardless of the end result, it leaves the Tangerines in a position where they can ill-afford defeat a day later.

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

L

D

D

L

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

W

L

L

L

Team News

Dundee United will be forced into at least one alteration with Peter Pawlett suffering a first-half injury at Rangers.

Kai Fotheringham replaced him on that occasion, but Goodwin may instead give consideration to recalling a more experienced player.

Goodwin has suggested that Charlie Mulgrew may be in a position to return after a month out, most likely in the back three.

Hibs will be able to call upon Elie Youan who missed the defeat to Motherwell due to a one-match ban.

If the Frenchman is to return to the side, it will likely be to replace Matthew Hoppe, while Jake Doyle-Hayes will hope to keep his spot in midfield after recently returning from a long-term ankle injury.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Birighitti; Ayina, Edwards, Mulgrew; Freeman, Sibbald, Harkes, Behich; Fotheringham, McGrath; Fletcher

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Egan-Riley, Fish, Hanlon; Cadden, Jeggo, Doyle-Hayes, Stevenson; Campbell; Nisbet, Youan

We say: Dundee United 1-1 Hibernian

This is a game where both clubs would be disappointed with a share of the spoils, yet we feel that it is the most likely result. While Hibs' defeats should be put into perspective, they have lost that winning feeling, leaving Dundee United in line to claim a draw.

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