Hibs v St Mirren preview: Scottish Premiership team news, referee, starting XI, how to watch, match odds

The Buddies were on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat the last time the two teams met in Paisley with Joe Newell, Kevin Nisbet, and Martin Boyle on the scoresheet.

However Jim Goodwin's side are on an impressive run of form; unbeaten in 11 games and three points off the top six.

The likes of Ethan Erhahon and Jamie McGrath are motoring along nicely in midfield with the latter having netted five goals in his last six matches including a double in the Betfred Cup win against Rangers.

Hibs’ home form has left a bit to be desired this season with just two Scottish Premiership wins against Kilmarnock and Hamilton. The Capital club could really do with a win to keep pace with Aberdeen and Celtic going into the Boxing Day clash at Ibrox.

Team news: Scott Allan remains sidelined for the Easter Road side but Jack Ross has fellow midfielders Kyle Magennis and Alex Gogic available for selection. Both featured in the 1-1 draw with Dundee United while Sean Mackie could be in contention after taking part in the post-match warmdown on Saturday.

Stevie Mallan could return to the bench after a knock forced him to miss the draw with the Terrors but the match may come too soon for Jamie Murphy, who is still working his way back from injury.

Possible line-up (4-4-2): Marciano; P McGinn, Porteous, Hanlon, Stevenson; Boyle, Gogic, Newell, Magennis; Nisbet; Doidge. Subs from: Barnes, Doig, Mackie, Gray, McGregor, Mallan, Hallberg, Wright, S McGinn, Gullan, Bradley.

Match details: Wednesday December 23; kick-off 6.00pm, Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh

How to watch: Fans of both teams will be able to watch this game on Hibs' pay-per-view TV option – details here. Former Easter Road striker Farid El Alagui will be in the studio.

Key stat: St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin was playing for St Mirren the last time they won at Easter Road on league duty. Two goals in two minutes by Adam Campbell and Steven Thompson after Ben Williams’ own goal gave the Saints a 3-0 lead after half an hour. James Collins netted twice in the second half but the Buddies held on for the win. Future Hibees Darren McGregor, John McGinn, and Jason Naismith all started for the visititors while one-time Easter Road defender David van Zanten came on as a second-half sub for Goodwin. Lewis Stevenson was, unsurprisingly, playing for the hosts.

Referee: Steven Kirkland takes charge of his first ever match involving Hibs. The whistler was the man in the middle for the Buddies’ 1-0 win at Hamilton on August 15 but this will be just his fourth top-flight clash. He flashed 12 yellow cards and awarded two penalities during the first three. He will be assisted by Daniel McFarlane and Graham McNeillie with Don Robertson the fourth official.

Match odds: Hibs 3/4 Draw 11/4 St Mirren 7/2 (odds supplied by McBookie).

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