Preview: Hibernian vs. Kilmarnock – prediction, team news, lineups

Hibernian host Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, hoping to secure three points at home for the first time since October.

Jack Ross‘s men, who have lost both of their last two home league games, face a Killie side who have failed to win any of their last five matches against the Edinburgh outfit.

Match preview

© Reuters

After a run of three successive league defeats, a stoppage time equaliser from Kevin Nisbet secured a point for Hibernian as they drew 1-1 away at Celtic on Monday night.

The Scottish forward has netted 11 times in the Scottish Premiership this season – only Rangers captain James Tavernier has scored as many goals this campaign – and Nisbet hopes that his form in front of goal can catch the eye of Scotland manager Steve Clarke heading into Euro 2020 this summer.

Hibs have looked stronger away from home this season, winning seven and drawing two of their 12 matches on their travels but they return to Easter Road this weekend where they have only won three times in 11 games.

Manager Jack Ross will hope that their home form can improve if they are to have any chance of breaking into the top two of the Scottish Premiership.

Hibernian, who have won each of their last three league meetings with Kilmarnock, could climb above Aberdeen into third place if the Dons fail to beat Ross County.

© Reuters

Alex Dyer was pleased with his side’s “excellent” performance as Kilmarnock won 2-0 at home to Hamilton Academical last weekend, extending their unbeaten run in the league to three matches.

A brace from Greg Kiltie secured the three points and moved Killie up to seventh in the Scottish Premiership, six points clear of the relegation zone.

The East Ayrshire outfit had previously lost their last five league matches in a row before their unbeaten run began and Dyer hopes that his side are now turning a corner as they aim to look towards the top of the table rather than the foot.

Kilmarnock have failed to win any their last six Scottish Premiership visits to Hibs, with their last victory at Easter Road coming in May 2014 under former boss Allan Johnston.

The last time Killie went four games unbeaten in the top-flight was back in December 2019, but a victory on Saturday would match this run, and could seem them climb to sixth if Dundee United were to lose to Hamilton.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form: DWLLLD

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form: LLLWDW

Team News

© Reuters

Hibernian goalkeeper Ofir Marciano remains out with a hamstring injury which is likely to see Matt Macey start once again in goal.

Midfielder Kyle Magennis (hamstring) and defender Sean Mackie (thigh) also remain unavailable with injuries.

Striker Christian Doidge is likely to be recalled to the starting XI and partner top goalscorer Kevin Nisbet.

New signing Jackson Irvine, who joined the club from Hull City this week, is available to feature on Saturday.

Kilmarnock remain without midfielder Gary Dicker as well as defenders Zeno Rossi and Ross Millen who are all ruled out with injuries.

Alex Dyer is unlikely to make too many changes to a side which seems to have found a winning formula in recent weeks.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Macey; McGinn, Porteous, Hanlon, Doig; Boyle, Gogic, Newell, Murphy; Doidge, Nisbet

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:
Rogers; McGowen, Broadfoot, Findlay, Haunstrup; Burke, Power, Mulumbu, McKenzie; Kiltie, Whitehall

We say: Hibernian 2-1 Kilmarnock

Despite the hosts winning only one of their last six league matches, Kilmarnock have lost seven top-flight games on the road this season – only Ross County at the foot of the table have lost more away from home. The quality of attacking duo Christian Doidge and Kevin Nisbet could help Hibs secure a narrow victory on Saturday.

Top betting tip