Hibs v Livingston: kick-off time, how to watch, starting XI, referee, match odds

Easter Road will host Hibs v Livingston on Saturday (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Jack Ross’ side will be keen to start the new year on the right footing after the disappointment of the 2-0 home defeat to Ross County on Wednesday night.

Saturday’s opponents have won their last six matches since David Martindale took over the managerial reins, however, if Hibs are to retain any hope of finishing third, they must address the home form that has seen them drop points in 70 per cent of their matches played at Easter Road this season.

Team news: Hibs look set to welcome back the trio of injured players who missed the midweek defeat to Ross County with Ofir Marciano, Stevie Mallan and Jamie Murphy all in line to return to action after taking part in training this week. Winger Murphy hasn’t featured since the 3-0 win against Motherwell at Fir Park on December 5 when he was forced off with a hamstring injury while fellow midfielder Mallan has been sidelined since a 14-minute substitute appearance against Hamilton Accies the following week. Israeli international Marciano limped out of the win over St Mirren just before Christmas with Dillon Barnes deputising for the last two fixtures.

Possible XI: Marciano; P.McGinn, Hanlon, Porteous, Doig; Boyle, Newell, Mallan, Murphy; Nisbet, Doidge.

Match details: Saturday, January 2. Kick-off 3pm, Easter Road, Edinburgh.

How to watch: Fans of both teams will be able to watch this game on Hibs' pay-per-view TV option – details here.

Last meeting: Hibs were impressive winners the last time the side’s met with Kevin Nisbet bagging a hat-trick in a 4-1 away win in August. You have to go back to last season for the last time Livi visited Easter Road. The match on February 22 ended in a 1-1 draw after Christian Doidge’s opener was cancelled out by Aaron Taylor-Sinclair.

Key stat: In 32 league meetings between the sides down the years, Hibs have won 19, Livingston eight, while there have been five draws.

Referee: David Munro – the whistler has taken charge of two Hibs matches so far this season, namely the wins over Forfar and Alloa in the Betfred Cup. In 15 games he has brandished 45 yellow cards and two reds.

Odds: Hibs 23/20 Draw 12/5 Hearts 23/10

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