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

The visitors sit just two places above their opponents this weekend, and with a five-point cushion, there is an opportunity to put some real distance between them.

Match preview

While Hibernian were able to pick up a much-needed point against Aberdeen during their most recent outing, the club has been in a very rough patch as of late in the league.

The Hibees have gone eight consecutive Scottish Premiership games without a win, with their 1-0 victory against Livingston on December 9 being the last time they earned three points.

It is a run of form that has seen Hibernian drastically drop down the league table, and while they do have an eight-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone there is an obvious need for a turnaround of form.

Nick Montgomery's men did showcase their attacking qualities in the Scottish FA Cup recently by defeating Inverness Caledonian Thistle 3-1, and now the focus will be on bringing that into the league.

Three points on Saturday would push them closer to their opponents, while it could also see them overtake Aberdeen depending on other results.

However, the Dark Blues head into this match on the back of consecutive victories and will not simply be pushed aside as their focus is on climbing the division rather than looking over their shoulders.

Tony Docherty's men secured a 2-0 win during their most recent outing as Scott Tiffoney scored a brace, and the victory helped the club place more pressure on St Mirren.

There are only three points between the two teams, giving Dundee plenty to play for this weekend as they continue to try and push into the top four.

The Dark Blues have not been as impressive on the road though, with only three of their eight victories taking place on the road this season, which is something the team needs to focus on for the remainder of the campaign.

However, Dundee will be aware of the fact that they have failed to beat Hibernian both times they have met this season, adding pressure onto this fixture.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

D

L

L

D

Hibernian form (all competitions):

L

D

L

L

W

D

Dundee Scottish Premiership form:

W

D

L

L

W

W

Team News

Hibernian could be without David Marshall this weekend as he was forced off against the Dons due to injury, while Jake Doyle-Hayes and Josh Campbell will both be unavailable due to injury.

Chris Cadden is on the verge of returning to the matchday squad though as he has been playing for the development team in midweek, but Saturday could come too soon for him.

Lee Ashcroft will not be available for the visitors this weekend after he was transferred to Raith Rovers on loan to the end of the season.

However, the Dark Blues were able to welcome back Malachi Boateng and Curtis Main to the matchday squad following injuries, and they should be involved once again this time.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Miller, Fish, Triantis, Obita; Boyle, Marcondes, Newell, Levitt, Youan; Maolida

Dundee possible starting lineup:

Carson; McGhee, Shaughnessy, Donnelly, Beck; Sylla, Cameron, McCowan, Tiffoney; Bakayoko, Robinson

We say: Hibernian 0-2 Dundee

Hibernian boasts the home advantage, but their recent form has been below their usual standard, and that is why they head into this match as the underdogs.

The opposite is true for Dundee, and that could end up being the difference maker here as the Dark Blues are likely to take all three points.

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