St Johnstone vs Hibernian Predictions

St Johnstone v Hibernian predictions for this match in the Scottish Premiership. St Johnstone, aiming to recover from defeat, host Hibernian at McDiarmid Park in a crucial Scottish Premiership clash as both sides seek valuable points in their 21st match of the season. Read on for our free Scottish Premiership predictions and betting tips.

Scottish Premiership | Jan 2, 2025 at 3pm UK at McDiarmid Park

St Johnstone vs Hibernian Predictions

Can St Johnstone Halt Hibs’ Momentum at McDiarmid Park?

• Leaky Defence: St Johnstone have conceded 40 goals in 20 league games, making them the Scottish Premiership’s most porous team this season.
• Hibernian’s Hot Streak: Hibs have won four matches on the bounce, scoring 15 goals in their last seven games and conceding only nine.
• McDiarmid Misery: The Saints have lost 14 of their 20 league matches this season, including seven of their last nine games at home.

Our Tips

As St Johnstone prepare to host Hibernian at McDiarmid Park on Thursday evening, the stakes could hardly be higher for the home side. Sitting rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership table with just 14 points to their name, the Saints are in desperate need of a turnaround. Unfortunately for them, Hibernian arrive in Perth in excellent form, having won their last four matches and with an eye on breaking into the top half of the table.

The hosts come into this clash after a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Celtic, where they were utterly dominated from start to finish. St Johnstone managed just one attempt on goal while enduring wave after wave of Celtic attacks. This dismal display was a continuation of their season-long struggle, with Simo Valakari’s side sporting the league’s worst defensive record.

They’ve conceded 40 goals in 20 games, and it’s difficult to see where the improvement will come from. On the other side, Hibernian are flying high, buoyed by their 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock, where they controlled proceedings with nearly 2.5 xG and limited their opponents to just 0.25 xG. This clash looks like one of survival versus momentum, and the odds seem firmly in favour of the visitors.

Best Bet: Hibernian to Win

Backing Hibernian to come away with a victory in this match appears to be the most logical wager. With St Johnstone in dire form and Hibs thriving, it’s hard to imagine the home side containing their more in-form opponents. Hibs’ recent performances underline their attacking sharpness and defensive discipline, a combination that has propelled them up the table after a torrid start to the campaign.

St Johnstone’s issues are multifaceted, but their defensive frailty is the glaring weak spot. Conceding 40 goals in 20 matches is a statistic that tells its own story, and it’s clear that their backline has struggled to deal with sustained pressure. The Saints’ inability to create meaningful chances further compounds their problems. Their last outing against Celtic saw them manage only one shot, while they conceded 30 attempts in return. Hibs, who have scored 15 goals in their last seven games, will undoubtedly see this as an opportunity to exploit a porous defence.

Hibernian’s dominance against Kilmarnock offers further proof of their quality. They generated a healthy xG and limited their opponents to scraps, reflecting a team that has finally found its rhythm. Moreover, David Gray’s side have a strong away record of late, winning three of their last four matches on the road. While McDiarmid Park can occasionally throw up surprises, it’s hard to see the hosts finding the form to keep the visitors at bay.

BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick offers a sharp summary: “Hibernian are simply in a different gear right now. With their attacking form clicking and St Johnstone’s defence in shambles, this game looks like an away banker.”

This matchup provides all the ingredients for a Hibs victory, with their form, quality, and motivation all pointing in the same direction. St Johnstone may well try to dig in and frustrate, but the gulf in class between the two sides feels insurmountable.

Correct Score Prediction: St Johnstone 1-3 Hibernian

A 3-1 victory for Hibernian fits neatly with the narrative of this encounter. While the Saints have managed to find the net in 10 of their last 12 games, their defensive lapses have repeatedly undone any good work they’ve managed in attack. Against a Hibs side brimming with confidence and scoring freely, it’s hard to imagine a clean sheet for the hosts.

Hibernian’s attacking strength has been evident in recent weeks, and with Martin Boyle and Junior Hoilett likely leading the line, they should have little trouble breaking through St Johnstone’s defence. At the other end, a consolation goal for the Saints isn’t out of the question, especially given Hibs’ occasional lapses at the back, having conceded nine times in their last seven games. However, any goal from the home side is unlikely to change the outcome of what should be a comfortable win for the visitors.

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