St Mirren vs Hibs Prediction: Saints set to make a winning start

After a return to the championship phase of the Scottish Premiership in 2023, Hibernian regressed last year and found themselves back in the relegation group to close out the season.

They were never in danger of going down, but it was a season to forget for Hibs, who will be hoping for better this time around.

However, a winning start is not guaranteed, as they face a tricky trip to St Mirren in their opening game on Sunday. The Saints finished fifth last term and will be looking to build on a positive campaign by starting with a win. Below you can find my St Mirren vs Hibs prediction.

Team news

Caolan Boyd-Munce missed St Mirren's win over Valur on Thursday and is a doubt for this clash, as is big striker Mikael Mandron.

Thody Elie Youan is a definite absentee for Hibs, while Chris Cadden and Rocky Bushiri Kiranga are also both doubts.

Hibs new boys Josef Bursik and Marvin Ekpiteta look set for their first starts in the Scottish Premiership as they bid to help the visitors to an opening-day win.

St Mirren vs Hibs Odds 

St Mirren are narrow 6/4 favourites for this tie, with Hibs available at 15/8 and the draw a big player at 23/10. There isn't too much to split the pair and as a result the goals could flow, with over 2.5 chalked up at 10/11 and both teams to score priced at a slightly shorter 4/6.

Hibernian's Dylan Vente is the 6/1 favourite to open the scoring, with Mandron, Olusanya, Lewis Jamieson and Jonah Ayunga all next best at 13/2. Our anytime scorer tip O'Hara is 10/1 to net first.

St Mirren to win @ 6/4 

St Mirren finished three places higher than their visitors last term and while new Hibs boss David Gray will be looking to make a good impression after being given the permanent job after four spells as caretaker boss, he may have to wait for his first points of the season.

The Saints should be sharper than the Hibees as they have been competing in Conference League qualifying over the past fortnight, running out 4-1 victors against Valur on Thursday, racking up an impressive 14 shots and 12 corners in that win.

Given Hibs were beaten 3-0 at home the last time these two met and have won just one of their last 10 Premiership away matches, the points look set to stay in Paisley this weekend.

Football Odds

Football Odds

Mark O'Hara to score anytime @ 7/2 

With Mandron an injury doubt, Toyosi Olusanya looks set to lead the line for the hosts on Sunday. However, he scored just six league goals last term and is not a reliable option to find the net.

Instead, taking midfielder Mark O'Hara to score at the SMiSA Stadium could prove a more profitable play. He, like Olusanya, netted against Valur on Thursday and also scored six goals last term.

He struck 10 in his first season with St Mirren, however, so clearly has an eye for goal. He is a much bigger price than Olusanya and his runs from midfield can be hard to track, so back O'Hara to help the Saints to victory by netting against Hibs on Sunday.

Offers

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