St Mirren and Hibernian will lock horns in Paisley for their Scottish Premiership encounter on Saturday.
While the hosts are looking to claim their third successive league victory, the visitors are seeking to avoid a fourth consecutive top-flight match without a win.
Match preview
© Reuters
After losing their opening two league games of the new season, St Mirren have since bounced back with successive victories against Ross County and Dundee United.
A slender 1-0 win at home to the former was followed by an impressive 3-0 success away at Tannadice, with Curtis Main (2) and Alex Grieve both on the scoresheet for the Buddies.
Stephen Robinson's side have responded well to conceding four goals against Aberdeen at the beginning of the month, and have shown signs of improvement at both ends of the pitch which bodes well for them heading into Saturday's clash with Hibs.
St Mirren have only won one of their last 13 Premiership meetings against Hibs, a 1-0 away victory in February last season.
The Buddies will be looking to win their third successive league game without conceding a goal for the first time since December 2008 when they welcome the Edinburgh outfit to Paisley.
© Reuters
Hibernian extended their winless league run to three matches last weekend, although they managed to rescue a point to draw 2-2 with nine-man Rangers at Easter Road.
With the Gers leading 2-1 heading into the final quarter of the contest, John Lundstram and substitute Alfredo Morelos were both sent off within the space of nine second-half minutes, before Josh Campbell fired in a 93rd-minute equaliser to force both sides to share the spoils.
Lee Johnson was not satisfied with just a point and he has encouraged his side to produce a 'complete performance' across both halves in the coming weeks, something which he is yet to see from his team since taking change over the summer.
Hibs have an impressive record away against St Mirren as they have won six of their last seven Premiership visits to Paisley, including a narrow 1-0 victory in April of last season.
The Edinburgh outfit have also impressed in front of goal, scoring in 11 of their last 12 league matches, including all four games so far this term.
- L
- L
- W
- W
- L
- W
- L
- L
- W
- W
- W
- D
- L
- D
- W
- L
- W
- D
- L
- D
Team News
© Reuters
St Mirren forward Toyosi Olusanya remains sidelined with a broken toe, while left-back Scott Tanser is doubtful with a hamstring problem.
After bagging a brace last weekend, Curtis Main is expected to keep his place up front, while either Eamonn Brophy or Alex Greive could be recalled at the expense of Jonah Ayunga.
Centre-back Joe Shaughnessy could also return to the first XI, with Marcus Fraser the most likely to drop down to the substitutes' bench.
As for Hibs, Demetri Mitchell and Lewis Stevenson are both doubtful with hamstring issues, while Aiden McGeady (ligament), Kyle Magennis and Kevin Nisbet (both knee) remain sidelined with injuries.
Martin Boyle, who has scored two goals in three games since returning to the club this summer, is set to retain his place in attack alongside Elie Youan, although Christian Doidge will be pushing to start after beginning on the bench last weekend.
St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Carson; Gallagher, Shaughnessy, Dunne; Strain, Baccus, O'Hara, Erhahon, Tait; Grieve, Main
Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Marshall; Porteous, Bushiri, Hanlon; Cadden, Doyle-Hayes, Newell, Henderson, Campbell; Youan, Boyle
We say: St Mirren 1-1 Hibernian
Both sides will fancy their chances of claiming maximum points from Saturday's fixture, particularly the hosts who head into this encounter in slightly better shape.
Hibs have had plenty of success in Paisley in recent years, but we feel that the hosts will do enough to secure a point in front of their home supporters.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Oliver Thomas
