Preview: Hibernian vs. Livingston - prediction, team news, lineups

After suffering a heavy midweek defeat in Europe, Hibernian will be attempting to get back to winning ways when they host Livingston in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Both teams have failed to pick up all three points in the opening two games of the campaign, with this match providing them with an opportunity to change things.

Match preview

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Hibernian's difficult start to the season was enhanced on Wednesday night when they faced Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League, with the Premier League outfit securing a comfortable 5-0 win.

It was a result that Lee Johnson will be hoping his men quickly put behind them, especially since they did manage to secure a victory last weekend in the Scottish League Cup.

Hibernian's win against Raith Rovers had the chance to turn things around for the Hibees, and they shall be hoping that the midweek defeat was nothing more than a slip-up.

Johnson's side started the season with defeats against St Mirren and Motherwell which has left them second bottom in the SPL table, with a lot of work to do.

However, last season the Hibees proved to be a much stronger outfit at home than they were away, and repeating that feat this season will be crucial for them to try and push further than the fifth place they managed last season.

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The visitors will be as equally desperate for three points this weekend considering they have failed to win either of their opening two matches.

Livingston have managed to pick up one point though, following their opening-day draw against Aberdeen, but with that being all that separates them and Hibernian there is plenty of pressure on Saturday's fixture.

The Lions suffered a heavy 4-0 loss during their most recent SPL match against Rangers, but they responded well to that in the Scottish League Cup last weekend by defeating Ayr 2-0.

Joel Nouble and Cristian Montano both got on the scoresheet in that match, and considering that it brought their second clean sheet in their previous three games, there were a lot of positives.

Livingston being tough to break down could prove to be important at the weekend, especially since their opponents have struggled for goals as of late.

Team News

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Dylan Levitt is the main injury concern for Hibernian heading into this match after he missed out on the midweek clash against Aston Villa.

That could lead to Jordan Obita retaining his place in the starting XI after he came into the team to replace Levitt.

Dylan Vente was able to overcome an injury concern to play on Wednesday night, but he was unable to feature for the full 90 minutes, meanwhile, Jake Doyle-Hayes was able to get some minutes from the bench, which is a positive for him.

Nouble is sure to lead the line for the visitors after scoring during their recent Scottish League Cup match as he aims to cause problems for the Hibees.

Livingston could also welcome both Bruce Anderson and Scott Pittman back into the starting lineup after they were both used as substitutes last weekend following injury doubts.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Miller, Fish, Hanlon, Stevenson; Newell, Doyle-Hayes; Youan, Le Fondre, Boyle; Vente

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; De Lucas, Obileye, Devlin; Brandon, Guthrie, Holt, Shinnie, Montano; Kelly, Nouble

We say: Hibernian 1-1 Livingston

These are two teams that have struggled at the start of the Scottish Premiership campaign, and that is something that could be reflected in this match.

A lack of confidence from both will likely lead to this being quite cagey with neither club wanting to give up an edge, which is why a draw could end up taking place.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.