'I can't see past a home win' - Journalists and fans predict the outcome of Hibs v Kilmarnock

This season, we have called on a selecton of Hibs fans to help us make predictions ahead of matches. As this is the season opener, we’ve enlisted some help from staff members for a bumper edition.

Mark Atkinson, EEN Sport Editor

Opening games of the season are notoriously difficult to predict and this one will be no different, perhaps even more so considering pre-season has been so bizarre. On paper, Hibs should win this as they have more firepower and guile in their squad. Kilmarnock are likely to be missing some key players and the impressive Stephen O'Donnell has moved on. However, with the eerie nature of a closed-doors match and the potential for the unexpected, I think this match will be cagey. Hibs should win, but I fear we might have a draw on our hands. Prediction: Hibs 1-1 Kilmarnock.

Connaire Wallace, Hibs fan

It’s been a long time coming since the pandemic began and I’m sure all Hibs fans and players are raring to go for Saturday’s league season opener at Easter Road against Kilmarnock. Even forgiving the unusual circumstances now, it’s pivotal we can get back to playing good football at the right end of the table. The main concern at Hibs this season is the defensive backline which has proved to be somewhat unreliable both in terms of fitness and performance over the past year which hasn’t been addressed, therefore our formula for victory should be the age-old “attack is the best form of defence”. Winning the midfield battle is critical this weekend so I would be looking to play a 3-1-4-2 formation starting with Alex Gogic as sweeper and Martin Boyle, Scott Allan, Stevie Mallan and Daryl Horgan as the midfield 4. Providing Christian Doidge can prove his fitness, he and Kevin Nisbet should be starting upfront together to start forming their partnership as quickly as possible. I do feel Doidge will be the perfect foil for Nisbet and with excellent wingplay from Boyle and Horgan I’m confident in a strong opening day performance from Hibs. Prediction: Hibs 3-1 Kilmarnock

Craig Fowler, EEN and Scotsman football writer

Hibs were very smart in their transfer policy this summer, signing three players for glaring needs (especially if Martin Boyle is to be sold). I’m not convinced all three will be a success, but the squad, for me, isn’t weaker than the one which finished last season. I can’t really say the same for Killie, who come into this one with three new starters in defence and a new goalkeeper, having scrambled to pick up Danny Rogers, whose top-flight abilities are debatable, at the last minute. Hibs are the better team, they’re at home - even without fans, it’s still an advantage - and they’ll win. Prediction: Hibs victory

Duncan McKay, Hibs fan and Terrace Podcast / A View From The Terrace contributor

A new season beckons, so far Hibs are undefeated and blemish-free… perfection. Let's hope we're still this happy come 4.55pm on Saturday. First game of the season is always special, this one proving to be more special than others. Months have passed since we played a competitive game, and in my case, absence certainly has made the heart grow fonder. Easter Road will no doubt look different to many of last season's players with no fans in it, but it's the new trio of signings in Kevin Nisbet, Drey Wright and Alex Gogic that has got me excited. Last season we lacked bite in midfield and the former Accies star has plenty of that. Kilmarnock aren't as an exciting proposition as they were under Steve Clarke but we shouldn't underestimate them, especially with the talent of Alan Power in midfield. Defensively we could be tested by Eamonn Brophy (if fit) and it will be interesting to see how Jack Ross lines up with his favoured three at the back being deployed during recent friendlies. Given there is no much uncertainty in the world, it's comforting to know that come 3pm on Saturday, albeit from a distance and behind a computer monitor, we'll all be cheering on the Hibees. Prediction: Hibs 2-1 Kilmarnock

Chantelle Cramb, Hibs fan

Hibs need to kick off this season by taking the three points. The defence needs to be stronger than we’ve previously seen but given Jack Ross has had more time to reflect on last season and also add to the team, I’m excited to see how Saturday’s match will turn out. I’m also keen to see how our new signings will fit in to the current squad. It will also be good to see players returning from injury, and I think Hibs will just nick this one. Prediction: Hibs 2-1 Kilmarnock

Freddie White, Hibs fan

After what feels like years it’s good to have the Hibees back this week. Home game as well and Hibs will want to get off to a good start. It’ll be interesting to see if any of Jack Ross’s new signings start. I have high hopes for Kevin Nisbet as I think he will make the step up and do well. Martin Boyle and Drey Wright add the pace and we’ve now hopefully got the “Bartley” role filled in Alex Gogic, as we badly needed that type of player last season. Kilmarnock will be up for it and they’ll likely have their new ‘keeper Danny Rogers between the sticks. Be very strange not having the fans and it will be hard to predict games as home advantage doesn’t really come into it now with stadiums being empty. Looking at both teams I feel Hibs are stronger and I can’t see past a home win for Hibs. I’m going to go 2-1 with a typical nerve racking last 10 minutes! Prediction: Hibs 2-1 Kilmarnock

Alan Turnbull, Hibs fan

When Hibs kick off on Saturday, it will have been 150 days since we were last at Easter Road due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In that time, the league was called to an early finish and the green and white of Edinburgh finished seventh, our lowest league finish since returning to the top flight. Hibs fans will be hoping the side improves upon that this season. Jack Ross has strengthened the side with three new summer signings so far, including Kevin Nisbet and Hibs fans will also be eager to see him link up with Christian Doidge. Should the pair have a good working partnership on the pitch, they will be a force to be reckoned with. A 3-5-2 formation would mean a strong Hibs team with many fans hoping to see Drey Wright and Alex Gogic in action for the first time and how they fit in with the already strong midfield of Scott Allan, Joe Newell and Martin Boyle to continue the attacking dynamics seen in the team last season. Prediction: Hibs 3-1 Kilmarnock

Joel Sked, EEN and Scotsman football writer

I have been really impressed with the transfer business done by Jack Ross this summer, filling key roles in the sides. I can't really say the same about Kilmarnock. Looking at the Rugby Park side they look weaker than last season and don't have a lot of star quality. There is talk of Eamonn Brophy missing the trip to Easter Road. He had built a good relationship with Nicke Kabamba which would pose problems. In midfield Hibs have someone in Alex Gogic who can stand up to Killie's physicality. The pace and attacking quality in attack for Hibs will have far too much for the Rugby Park side. Prediction: Hibs 3-1 Kilmarnock

Callum Laidlaw, Hibs fan

It’s always difficult to try and make predictions at the start of the season, but this time it’s even harder due to the coronavirus pandemic. The good thing from Hibs’ point of view is that the three new boys have been in for most of pre-season and have been involved in the closed doors friendlies. We always go into a new season with (sometimes blind) optimism, but the areas we’ve strengthened in give me hope. We’ve missed a midfield enforcer since Bartley left, and seeing stats like Alex Gogic having the most interceptions last season definitely builds belief that the defence will get the protection they need. Kevin Nisbet is an exciting prospect and looks the real deal, while Drey Wright adds further pace to the team. I still worry about our defence – there have been no additions since January, but I think the attacking options we have will see us through this first test and I can see Nisbet getting on the scoresheet on his competitive debut. Prediction: Hibs 2-1 Kilmarnock