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

The hosts scraped a victory against Motherwell in their last match, whilst the visitors travel to the capital on the back of a disheartening defeat to Rangers.

Match preview

Hibernian sit seventh in the Scottish top flight after a run of just three wins in their last 12 matches, including heavy losses to arch-rivals Hearts and champions Celtic.

The club return to Easter Road for their first home match of the new year, and will be hoping to gather momentum from the first of three back-to-back home games.

Hibs' home form has been solid so far this season, with five wins, two draws and three losses, but their away form has been poor, with just three wins and eight losses.

The defeats to Celtic and arch-rivals Hearts left manager Lee Johnson under fire but a narrow win on the road at Fir Park has eased that pressure slightly.

A hat-trick from Kevin Nisbet was the difference in that contest last Sunday, as the striker continued his stunning return from an ACL injury that kept him out of action for nine months. Since the World Cup break, the 25-year-old has five goals in five games.

Dundee United will be desperately hoping that the Scotland striker fails to add to that tally as they struggle to escape the relegation playoff place.

The Tangerines currently sit 11th, seven points off the hosts, however they have taken seven points from the 12 available since the end of the World Cup.

Liam Fox guided his side to successive victories over Ross County and St Johnstone, following an impressive draw at Hearts, before a 2-0 defeat to Rangers halted their momentum.

They will take encouragement from their recent record over Saturday's hosts, especially when visiting Easter Road - United have only lost once in their past 12 league visits to Hibernian, winning five and drawing six.

The last league fixture between the sides also went the way of the visitors, with an early Aziz Behich goal the difference between the teams at Tannadice Park.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

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W

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W

Hibernian form (all competitions):

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Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

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Team News

Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous is attracting interest from several clubs in the EFL Championship, as well as Udinese and Oostende, but is expected to feature on Saturday.

Jake Doyle-Hayes is also in contention to start after returning to training following the ankle injury that kept him out since September.

Lewis Miller is also 'ready for some minutes' according to Johnson, after being out for 12 weeks, however Martin Boyle is out for the season with a serious knee injury.

Aiden McGeady made his first league start for the club in the victory over Motherwell, whilst Chris Cadden will be assessed before the clash with the Tangerines, after coming off in the win.

For the visitors, Aziz Behich and Tony Watt are both the subject of transfer interest, from Galatasaray and Salford City respectively, but are both expected to feature.

The only injury doubts that Dundee United have are Jamie McGrath and Paul Pawlett, whom manager Liam Fox confirmed are both carrying slight knocks.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Stevenson, Porteous, Bushiri, Cadden; Campbell, Newell, Magennis; Youan, Nisbet, McGeady

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Birighitti; Smith, Edwards, McMann; Freeman, Sibbald, Levitt, Behich; Harkes, Middleton, Fletcher

We say: Hibernian 2-1 Dundee United

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