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

After six matches in the Scottish Premiership without a victory, Hibernian will be aiming to get their season back on track when they host Kilmarnock on Saturday.

The visitors are currently thriving at the moment, with their recent run of form having pushed them into fourth place.

Match preview

© Reuters

Hibernian have been in a difficult period as of late when it comes to picking up victories, as they have gone six matches in the Scottish Premiership without securing three points.

While Hibs have only lost once during that period, against Rangers, the five draws have stopped the team from progressing as far up the table as they could have.

Right now they sit in eighth place with only two points keeping them above the relegation zone at the moment, which does place pressure on the team heading into this weekend.

A defeat against Kilmarnock could see them sink down the table, and considering the fact they have only managed one victory at home in the league this season there is certainly some room for improvement.

Nick Montgomery's team were left frustrated in midweek as they shared the points with St Mirren after they gave up their lead twice to draw 2-2, conceding a 92nd-minute goal which no doubt felt like a loss.

© Reuters

The visitors will be aiming to continue Hibernian's tough run this weekend as they come off the back of securing three points in their last outing.

Kilmarnock have been performing well since the last international break, with Innes Cameron scoring the only goal of the game against Motherwell in their most recent match.

The three points helped Killie push into fourth place, but with just a two-point gap between them and their closest competitors, there is a very small margin for error.

However, Kilmarnock have failed to win a single match on the road so far in the division, and that is something that they will need to change if they want to maintain a place in the top half of the division.

Killie have averaged just one goal per game when it comes to away matches, and the team will want to showcase their attacking qualities when they are on the road.

Team News

© Reuters

Harry McKirdy is expected to be fit enough to make a return for Hibernian in the near future, but it remains to be seen whether this weekend will come too soon for him.

Martin Boyle's experience is something that the hosts could lean on, with the pressure on him after only scoring a single goal so far this season.

The partnership of Marley Watkins and Kyle Vassell has proven to be effective so far this season, and it is unlikely that there will be any changes to the team in an attacking sense.

Kyle Magennis and Corrie Ndaba have both been on the shelf as of late, and they are not set to be available until after the next international break.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Miller, Fish, Bushiri, Obita; Tavares, Levitt, Newell, Youan; Boyle, Vente

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Dennis; Mayo, Wright, Findlay; Armstrong, Watson, Lyons, Polworth, Kennedy; Watkins, Vassell

We say: Hibernian 0-1 Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock are enjoying stronger performances as of late, and that is something that could lead to them picking up another three points this weekend.

Hibernian have been struggling to get over the line in recent times, and that lack of confidence could be a downfall on Saturday.

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