Hibs to stop the rot
Hibernian host Livingston on Saturday afternoon in the Scottish Premiership.
The Hibees have lost seven of their last eight league games and pressure may be building on Lee Johnson in the dugout.
Hibs supporters will be desperate for a victory to get them back pushing in the right direction, having shown a lot of promise at points during the campaign.
Livi have made a good start to the season, but the underlying numbers do not necessarily back that up, the hosts were competitive in a 3-2 defeat at Rangers at the weekend and they have a preparation advantage with the visitors taking on Celtic in midweek.
Process
Hibs have unsustainably underperformed to concede 26 goals from 18.0 expected goals (xG) against so far this season, suggesting that they will tighten up at some stage, only allowing 1.06 xGA per game on average so far this term.
Despite Livi’s more promising position in the league table, they are the lesser side in both boxes and with that in mind, it is no surprise to see the bookies have Hibs as strong favourites even after such a poor run, with data having such a big say on prices these days.
With Johnson under pressure, it feels like he may go on the front foot even more, as is the type of manager that he is, which could lead towards a goal-laden game, but with the preparation advantage that they have, Hibs may be tough for Livi to contain for extended periods.
Jake Doyle-Hayes, Lewis Miller and Martin Boyle are sidelined for the hosts, while Jamie Brandon and Tom Parkes are set to miss out for the visitors.
Home advantage may also come into play in this one, Hibs have one of the larger supporter bases in the country and the World Cup break should lead to a decent Christmas Eve attendance.
Goals?
Overs was tempting given the need for a win for Hibs, but I am happy to take them outright with the schedule falling in their favour.
Hibs have scored in seven of ten.
Hibs have conceded in seven of ten.
Hibs have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Hibs have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Livi have scored in eight of ten.
Livi have conceded in nine of ten.
Livi have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Livi have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
4-0 Hibs, a pressure relieving win for Johnson.