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

Livingston will resume their Scottish League Cup campaign when they host Hibernian at the Almondvale Stadium on Sunday afternoon for their second round clash.

The hosts qualified from Group H in second place with nine points from four games, while the visitors automatically qualified for this round of the tournament.

Match preview

Livingston were relegated from the Scottish Premiership in 2023-24 but managed to secure their immediate return to the top flight as they won the Scottish Championship playoffs in 2024-25.

David Martindale's side continued their impressive league form throughout pre-season, with two wins and one draw, and they have maintained that momentum at the beginning of this campaign.

The Lions won three and lost one of their four Scottish League Cup group games, securing their progression from Group H as one of the three best runners-up across the group stage.

Livingston followed that up with two encouraging results in their opening Scottish Premiership fixtures, coming 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Kilmarnock on the opening day before beating Falkirk 3-1 last time out.

Martindale will be looking for his side to continue their superb streak ahead of a daunting clash with Celtic in the league, but the Lions do face a tough test against Hibernian.

Hibs enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 campaign as they climbed to a third-placed finish in the Scottish Premiership, ending the term with 58 points from 15 wins, 13 draws and 10 defeats.

David Gray's side booked their place in the Europa League qualifiers as a result, but they suffered a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Midtjylland in the second round.

They quickly bounced back with two wins and one draw, including a 2-0 win over Partizan in the third qualifying round of the Conference League, and despite losing 3-2 in the second leg last time out, Hibs narrowly progressed into the playoff round.

Ahead of their first leg clash with Legia Warsaw next Thursday, Gray will be looking for an improved result and performance following their recent loss, and Hibs have enjoyed this fixture in their last meetings.

Hibernian have won two of the last three clashes with Livingston, alongside a 1-1 draw in their latest meeting, while they have also won two and drawn one of their last three visits to the Almondvale Stadium.

Livingston Scottish League Cup form:

Livingston form (all competitions):

Hibernian form (all competitions):

Team News

Livingston will be unable to call upon the services of Aidan Denholm and Cameron Kerr for this clash due to ongoing injury problems, while Danny Wilson and Graham Carey are both doubts after coming off with injuries in their most recent match against Falkirk.

Shane Blaney could replace Wilson in the heart of defence, partnering captain Ryan McGowan, while Mohamad Sylla could play alongside Macaulay Tait and Scott Pittman in midfield.

As for Hibernian, Joe Newell remains out with a long-term injury problem, while the rest of the squad should be available for selection.

Kieron Bowie has scored three goals in six appearances at the start of this season, and the striker could start alongside Martin Boyle and Junior Hoilett on Sunday.

Livingston possible starting lineup:

Prior; Lawal, McGowan, Blaney, Montgomery; Pittman, Tait, Sylla; Smith, Muirhead, Winter

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

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

We say: Livingston 1-2 Hibernian

Livingston may have enjoyed an impressive start to the 2025-26 season, but Hibernian are the stronger team on paper and have dominated this fixture in recent meetings, leading us to expect a victory for the visitors.

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