Preview: Hibernian vs. St Johnstone - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one off the back of a heavy defeat to league leaders Celtic, while the visitors enter the fray following a narrow defeat to Livingston last weekend.

Match preview

Hibernian have made a commendable start to proceedings in 2022-23, currently positioning themselves third in the Scottish Premiership table under Lee Johnson after 11 matches.

The Hibees have managed to go unbeaten on home soil in the league, winning three times and drawing twice in their five matches at Easter Road, making them the only team outside Celtic or Rangers not to lose at home this campaign.

Nevertheless, they will be looking to arrest a slump of two defeats on the trot when they face St Johnstone on Friday night, which is the first match in Scottish football history that will call on Video Assistant Referee technology.

Last time out, Hibernian were on the end of a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Celtic on the road, as a hat-trick from James Forrest, double from Giorgos Giakoumakis and a late strike from Daizen Maeda inflicted their heaviest defeat of the season despite a Elie Youan consolation.

Manager Johnson will be eyeing a strong reaction against St Johnstone as Hibernian seek to keep pace in their hunt for continental football this season.

On the other hand, St Johnstone have commenced the campaign in an average fashion, placing ninth in the Premiership rankings with 11 matches played, leaving them one point clear of the relegation zone.

The Saints have hit a barren run of form, losing three matches in a row under Callum Davidson against Kilmarnock, Celtic and Livingston, which have all been settled by a single goal.

St Johnstone have undoubtedly been competitive across these games, but a lack of ruthlessness in front of the target at key moments has contributed significantly to the predicament they find themselves in.

They lack a talismanic figure at the top end of the field, resulting in their joint-top goalscorers Stevie May and Graham Carey only having two goals to their name respectively.

St Johnstone will need to be clinical against Hibernian in order to have any chance of claiming all three points from a difficult away venue on Friday night.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

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W

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St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

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D

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L

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Team News

Hibernian will be without Kevin Nisbet as he battles back from a cruciate ligament rupture, while Aiden McGeady will not be involved due to a ligament injury.

Reserve goalkeeper Maciej Dabrowski is still out of contention, meaning Ryan Schofield will again take up a place on the substitutes' bench to provide cover for David Marshall.

Jake Doyle-Hayes is a doubt for the St Johnstone match and Marijan Cabraja is at risk of suspension if he picks up a yellow card in the tie.

Long-term absentees Chris Kane and Callum Booth will once again be absent for the trip to Easter Road due to lengthy injuries.

Midfielder Cameron MacPherson will also not partake in the game against Hibernian due to hamstring concerns.

Murray Davidson is also ruled out due to injury, whereas former Hibernian player Melker Hallberg is at risk of suspension if he picks up a booking during the game.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

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

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Matthews; Wright, Mitchell, Gordon, Considine, Brown; Murphy, McGowan, Hallberg; May, Bair

We say: Hibernian 2-1 St Johnstone

In a game with ramifications at both ends of the table, we expect an entertaining encounter that will present plenty of opportunities for both sides to capitalise on.

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