Preview: Hibernian vs Kilmarnock - prediction, team news, lineups

Hibernian will aim to build on their opening day victory in the Scottish Premiership when they take on Kilmarnock on matchday two on Sunday afternoon.

While the hosts secured a 2-1 victory over Dundee in their first league fixture, the visitors squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Livingston.

Match preview

Hibernian enjoyed a superb 2024-25 season in the Scottish Premiership, climbing from an eighth-placed finish in 2023-24 to placing third last term.

As a result, David Gray's side secured their place in the qualifiers for the Europa League, but Hibs were defeated 3-2 on aggregate by Midtjylland in the second qualifying round, relegating them to the Conference League.

Hibs were able to rebound from their 3-2 aggregate defeat in their opening Scottish Premiership fixture, with Gray's side managing a narrow 2-1 win over Dundee, though Hibernian should have recorded a comfortable victory given their dominance - taking 15 shots to Dundee's two.

They followed that up with a commanding 2-0 win over Partizan in the first leg of their Conference League third qualifying round tie, leaving them in strong form heading into this encounter.

As for Kilmarnock, Stuart Kettlewell took charge of the side over the summer following the departure of Derek McInnes at the end of last season.

The new boss started his Killie career with three wins and one draw from four Scottish League Cup group stage matches, confirming their place in the knockout rounds as they topped Group H.

Kilmarnock appeared on course to extend their winning run in their Scottish Premiership opener, leading Livingston 2-0 at half-time, but a red card to George Stanger and two late goals saw Killie squander their advantage and have to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Hoping to bounce back from the disappointing end to that fixture, Kilmarnock will aim to defeat Hibernian for the first time since November 2022, having failed to win any of their last seven meetings.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

Hibernian form (all competitions):

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

Team News

Hibernian will remain without Joe Newell due to a groin injury that has kept him out of action since featuring against Killie in December 2024.

Martin Boyle and Kieron Bowie have scored four goals between them already this season, and the attacking duo should line up alongside Jamie McGrath on Sunday.

As for Kilmarnock, Kyle Magennis is a doubt to feature due to injury, Djenairo Daniels may not feature after coming off with a suspected injury in their Scottish Premiership opener, while Stanger will definitely miss out due to suspension.

David Watson, Tom Lowery and Liam Polworth will all keep their places in the middle of the park, while Jamie Brandon and Ben Brannan should start from wide positions.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Smith; O'Hora, Kiranga, Iredale; Cadden, Levitt, Mulligan, Obita; Boyle, Bowie, McGrath

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Stryjek; Brandon, Lyons, Mayo, Brannan; Polworth, Lowery, Watson; Kiltie; Dackers, McKenzie

We say: Hibernian 2-0 Kilmarnock

Hibernian have dominated this fixture in recent meetings, having won three and drawn four of the last seven encounters, and we expect that trend to continue with another home victory.

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