Hibernian vs Ayr United Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Hibernian ended a huge wait for the Scottish FA Cup last season when they saw off the threat of Rangers in the final, and now it looks like they are trying to make up for lost time as they go for a second consecutive trophy win.

Their 8-1 win over Bonnyrigg in their first outing in the competition this season was impressive, but more impressive was them holding Hearts at the Tynecastle Stadium and then beating them 3-1 at home to progress to this stage of the cup.

Form has dipped of late though. Their lengthy unbeaten streak came to an end in midweek when they shockingly lost to bottom placed Scottish Championship side St. Mirren. Prior to this they had avoided defeat for 13 consecutive matches, although only won of their last six outings has resulted in a victory. They remain a comfortable looking seven points clear at the top of the table, but with promotion being their top priority after two near misses they will want to get back to winning ways soon.

Another cup success could be the catalyst for this turnaround. At home Hibernian have won five and drawn four of their last nine matches in all competitions, and they’re facing an Ayr side struggling to remain in the second flight. The visitors currently sit 9th, five points above bottom placed St. Mirren but by no means safe from relegation.

The visitors did manage a midweek win, but that is their first win in 90 minutes since November. Admittedly they have only lost four of their 15 matches since then, but they need to start picking up all three points rather than settling for draws.

Both of their Scottish FA Cup ties so far have been taken to replays and then extra time. They beat Queen’s Park on penalties after a 2-2 away draw and then needed extra time against Clyde to get to this stage.

Away from home they are very difficult to break down though. They are unbeaten in their last ten away matches, although only one of these has been won in 90 minutes. One of these draws came against Hibs as well, and Ayr United have only actually lost two of their last six meetings with the hosts.

Considering Hibernian have drawn four of their last eight home games and Ayr United have drawn an incredible nine of their last ten on the road, I think odds of 9/2 for another stalemate here are ridiculously good value, so I’m backing that alongside a 1-1 correct score predictions at 10/1.