St Johnstone vs Hibernian predictions ahead of this clash in the Scottish Premiership. St Johnstone have a crucial match against a demoralised Hibs in the first round of games in the Scottish Premiership’s bottom six post-split. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 34 – Apr 27, 2024 at 3.00pm UK at McDiarmid Park
St Johnstone vs Hibernian Predictions
Don’t Have a Bet365 Account? Click Below To Claim this Offer👇
Clash for Survival: St Johnstone vs Hibernian’s Battle to Avoid the Drop
Key Stats
– Home Struggles: St Johnstone have not won a home game since December, highlighting their difficulties at McDiarmid Park.
– Maolida’s Impact: Myziane Maolida has scored seven goals in 11 league starts, proving his importance to Hibernian’s attack.
– Head-to-Head: Hibernian have won only one of their last five meetings with St Johnstone, indicating a recent shift in competitive balance.
This Scottish Premiership encounter presents a crucial battle at the bottom of the table, where St Johnstone host Hibernian. Both teams are desperate for points, with St Johnstone just above the relegation play-off spot and Hibernian trying to turn around a disappointing campaign. Despite their home struggles, St Johnstone have found some success on the road, which they hope to translate into a much-needed victory at McDiarmid Park.
Team Analysis and Expected Formations
St Johnstone’s Home Discomforts
Craig Levein’s side has not won at home since December, with their last victory at McDiarmid Park ironically against Hibernian. This poor home form is a stark contrast to their away performances, where they have secured all their recent league wins. Expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, St Johnstone will likely rely on Adama Sidibeh and Nicky Clark to provide the attacking threat, aiming to exploit Hibernian’s inconsistent defending.
Predicted St Johnstone Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Dimitar Mitov
- Defenders: Ryan McGowan, Andrew Considine, Luke Robinson, David Keltjens
- Midfielders: Maksym Kucheriavyi, Daniel Phillips, Matt Smith, Tony Gallacher
- Forwards: Adama Sidibeh, Nicky Clark
Hibernian’s Inconsistency Issues
Under Nick Montgomery, Hibernian have struggled to find consistency, faltering when expectations are high. Despite their erratic form, they have shown flashes of brilliance, notably in attacking transitions. Hibernian might employ a 4-2-3-1 setup, focusing on Myziane Maolida’s goal-scoring prowess, supported by Joe Newell and Martin Boyle from midfield.
Predicted Hibernian Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: David Marshall
- Defenders: Chris Cadden, Will Fish, Rocky Bushiri, Jordan Obita
- Midfielders: Nathan Moriah-Welsh, Joe Newell, Martin Boyle, Emiliano Marcondes
- Forward: Myziane Maolida
- Striker: Élie Youan
Key Tactical Battles
A significant matchup to watch will be between Hibernian’s attacking midfielder Emiliano Marcondes and St Johnstone’s defensive midfielder Daniel Phillips. Phillips’ role in disrupting play and Marcondes’ creative abilities could decisively influence the midfield battle. Additionally, the duel between St Johnstone’s centre-backs and Hibernian striker Myziane Maolida will be crucial, as Maolida’s movement and finishing have been lethal.
Statistical Insights and Betting Angles
St Johnstone’s low scoring rate at home, combined with Hibernian’s higher goal-per-game ratio away, sets the stage for a tight encounter. Both teams’ need for points to avoid relegation suggests a cautious approach, potentially leading to fewer goals but intense midfield play.
Predictions and Rationale
- Best Bet: Draw
- Given both teams’ struggles and the high stakes, a draw seems a likely outcome. St Johnstone’s inability to win at home paired with Hibernian’s inconsistency points towards a stalemate, with neither side able to assert dominance.
- Correct Score Prediction: 1-1
- Reflecting the best bet, a 1-1 draw is a logical prediction considering both teams’ recent forms. Each side has shown they can score but also have vulnerabilities that could be exploited, leading to an evenly matched scoreline.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Myziane Maolida to Score Anytime
- Maolida has been a bright spot in Hibernian’s campaign, and his current form suggests he could find the back of the net again. His ability to take penalties further bolsters his chances of scoring.
- Corner Prediction: More Corners for Hibernian
- Hibernian’s attacking play tends to generate more corners, especially with players like Boyle and Maolida who frequently attempt crosses and shots. Predicting around 6 to 8 total corners in the game, with the majority for Hibernian, reflects their playing style.
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
