Match Overview
Hibernian and St. Johnstone face off in a pivotal Scottish Premiership match that could shape the trajectory of their respective seasons. Hibernian, with a solid home record, is favored to win, but St. Johnstone's resilience on the road cannot be underestimated. The match will take place at Easter Road Stadium, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere, adding to the intensity of this clash.
Odds Analysis
The average odds suggest a strong likelihood of a Hibernian victory, with odds of 1.48 indicating a 67.6% probability. The draw is priced at 4.29, translating to a 23.3% chance, while St. Johnstone's odds of 6.62 reflect a 15.1% probability of an away win. Given these figures, Hibernian is expected to dominate, but football's unpredictability means St. Johnstone could still spring a surprise.
Team Analysis
Hibernian
- Current Form: Hibernian has shown consistency, averaging 1.5 goals per match and maintaining a possession rate of 47.3%.
- Strengths: Their offensive capabilities are highlighted by a high Both Teams To Score percentage (66.67%) and a solid Expected Goals figure (1.49).
- Weaknesses: Defensive vulnerabilities are evident with 1.37 goals conceded per game.
St. Johnstone
- Current Form: St. Johnstone averages 1.07 goals per match, with a possession rate of 53.33%.
- Strengths: Their ability to control the game is reflected in their higher possession and successful passes.
- Weaknesses: Defensive frailties are apparent, conceding 1.8 goals per match.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Hibernian has had the upper hand in this fixture, often leveraging their home advantage to secure victories. However, St. Johnstone has occasionally managed to snatch points, making this matchup intriguing.
Tactical Approaches
Hibernian is likely to adopt an attacking strategy, focusing on exploiting St. Johnstone's defensive gaps. Conversely, St. Johnstone may prioritize a counter-attacking approach, aiming to capitalize on Hibernian's defensive lapses.
Key Players Spotlight
Hibernian
- Martin Boyle: With 9 goals this season, Boyle is a crucial asset in Hibernian's attacking lineup.
- Nicky Cadden: His 5 goals and dynamic play make him a threat on the wing.
St. Johnstone
- Makenzie Kirk: Leading the scoring charts with 7 goals, Kirk's form will be vital for St. Johnstone.
- Nicky Clark: His 6 goals demonstrate his ability to find the net in crucial moments.
Statistical Deep Dive
Offensive Metrics
- Hibernian: Averaging 11.03 shots per game, with 3.9 on target.
- St. Johnstone: Averaging 8.8 shots per game, with 3.17 on target.
Defensive Metrics
- Hibernian: 42.63 interceptions per game, highlighting their defensive awareness.
- St. Johnstone: 45.67 interceptions per game, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposition play.
Prediction and Conclusion
Based on the data, Hibernian is favored to win, with their offensive prowess likely to be the deciding factor. Key match-winning elements include Martin Boyle's goal-scoring ability and Hibernian's home advantage. However, St. Johnstone's counter-attacking potential could pose challenges.
Final Score Prediction: Hibernian 2-1 St. Johnstone Half Time Score Prediction: Hibernian 1-0 St. Johnstone Both Teams to Score Probability: 66% Over 2.5 Goals Probability: 57%