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

The hosts come into this one off the back of a defeat to Rangers, while Livingston make their way through to Edinburgh following a narrow loss to Celtic.

Match preview

Hibernian have endured an inconsistent 2022-23 campaign and lie eighth in the Scottish Premiership ranks, having accumulated 20 points from 17 league matches.

Despite a positive start to life in charge, Lee Johnson has won just one of his last eight league matches, and his side is in danger of falling away from contention for the European slots.

Last time out, Hibernian were on the end of a narrow 3-2 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox, as an Alfredo Morelos winner in the 62nd minute was enough to condemn the visiting side to another loss despite an encouraging display.

The Hibees have also been rocked by the news that star man Ryan Porteous will not be signing a new deal at Easter Road, signifying that a busy January window could lie ahead for Johnson and his recruitment team.

Nevertheless, all focus for Hibernian will lie squarely on the challenge of Livingston at the weekend, where they could leapfrog their opponents into sixth with a victory.

Livingston have again been solid in the Scottish Premiership this season and occupy sixth in the league with 23 points from 16 encounters.

Much of their success has been built on solid defensive foundations, which has seen the Lions concede just 22 goals this campaign under David Martindale.

In their most recent outing, Livingston were unlucky not to come away with anything from Celtic Park in a 2-1 loss against the league leaders Celtic. Despite a closely fought match, an own goal from Ayo Obileye and a Kyogo Furuhashi strike cancelled out a Nicky Devlin reply.

Livingston will hope to improve their away form in the coming months, starting with this weekend, as they have won just two matches from eight attempts on the road in 2022-23.

Should Livingston take maximum points against Hibernian, they could move into third if other results in the division fall their way.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

L

W

L

L

L

L

Hibernian form (all competitions):

W

L

L

L

L

L

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

W

W

D

L

Livingston form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

L

L

Team News

Hibernian will be without Martin Boyle for the visit of Livingston due to the forward sustaining a knee injury that will see him miss the rest of the season.

Aiden McGeady could make his first start following his return against Rangers, while Jake Doyle-Hayes is sidelined owing to an ankle knock.

Ryan Porteous is expected to continue in a midfield role, while Kevin Nisbet will be charged with leading the line at Easter Road.

Livingston could reintroduce Joel Nouble from the start against Hibernian, which would relegate Bruce Anderson to the bench at his expense.

Tom Parkes is missing through a long-term knee injury and will not participate and will be joined by Jamie Brandon who is suffering from a groin problem.

Shamal George, Jason Holt and Stephane Omeonga are at risk of suspension if they pick up a booking during proceedings.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Cadden, Bushiri, Hanlon, Cabraja; Magennis, Porteous, Newell, Campbell; Youan, Nisbet

Livingston possible starting lineup:

Konovalov; Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Longridge, Montano; Kelly, Omeonga, Kelly, Penrice; Nouble

We say: Hibernian 1-1 Livingston

In a match with significant consequences in the battle for the European slots, we expect a tight affair that could go right to the wire between two even teams.

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