This piece is an extract from yesterday's McDiarmid Memo newsletter, which is emailed out at 6pm every Thursday.
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Saints will be looking to build on their recent form at home when they welcome Hibernian to McDiarmid Park this weekend.
Craig Levein’s side have registered three wins on home soil since the start of November and the team now looks to be a unit who are tough to break down, a huge positive given the way we were leaking goals at the start of the campaign.
If Saints can continue to build solid foundations at home, then surely the away form will follow after that. Last weekend’s point at Motherwell certainly showed we are moving in the right direction, and we ticked off a hoodoo by scoring our first away goal too.
For this week’s McDiarmid Memo, here is a preview of the Hibs match this weekend…
Saints predicted XI (3-5-2): Mitov, McGowan, Gordon, Considine, Robinson, Gallacher, Phillips, Smith, Carey, Kane, Jaiyesimi.
Hibs predicted XI (4-4-2): Marshall, Miller, Fish, Hanlon, Obita, Jeggo, Levitt, Tavares, Youan, Boyle, Vente.
One to watch: Martin Boyle. We all know how influential the Australian winger can be on his day. His pace and power will definitely need to be monitored throughout on Saturday. Boyle scored the winner last time out against Livingston for Hibs and he will no doubt be hungry for more this weekend.
Three key battles
Luke Robinson vs Elie Youan
Luke Robinson has been in fine form of late, both when utilised on the left or as a central defender. I expect Andy Considine to come back into Craig Levein’s side this weekend, so expect Robinson to move back out to his more familiar left wingback berth. He will be in for a tough afternoon up against Hibs winger Elie Youan, who is known for his pace and skill in the final third. It will be a good test for Robinson, but I fully expect him to come out on top.
Matt Smith vs Dylan Levitt
Matt Smith has easily been St Johnstone’s best player in recent weeks. His composure and creativity on the ball have been something the team has lacked in the middle of the pitch for months, but he is now starting to come on to a game and proving why he is a Welsh international. He will likely square up against the talented Dylan Levitt in the midfield battle on Saturday and it will be sure to be an intriguing encounter of two talented football minds.
Chris Kane vs Will Fish
Kano should have found the back of the net against Motherwell and a goal would have been the perfect follow-up after his winner against St Mirren. The striker needs to improve his finishing in front of goal and if he can do that he will prove to be a valuable asset for manager Levein. He will face a tough test up against Manchester United loanee Will Fish on Saturday, but he will fancy his chances to get on the scoresheet at McDiarmid Park again.
Prediction: Saints 2 Hibs 1
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