St Johnstone vs Hibernian Predictions

• Both teams have not scored in three of the last four Hibernian away Premiership games.
• Both teams have not scored in nine of St Johnstone’s 13 league games this season.
• St Johnstone have had three 0-0 draws already this season, the joint-most in the Scottish top-flight.

Saints and Hibs unlikely to produce many goals

Any expectations for a rip-roaring affair usually get left at the gate of McDiarmid Park these days as St Johnstone continue to enhance their reputation as the least exciting team in Scotland.

No team in Scotland’s professional pyramid has averaged fewer goals in their games with St Johnstone at a meagre 1.54 and a remarkable 54% of their matches have featured fewer than two goals.

Callum Davidson’s side, who have been described as blunt and physical, dragged a free-flowing Celtic side down with them in last weekend’s League Cup semi-final at Hampden. Eventually going down 1-0, Saints almost had as many yellow cards as shots and mustered an xG number of 0.21.

Perth outfit have penetration problem 

Only one of their shots came from inside the penalty area, which underlines their penetration problem and it would take a major turnaround for the hosts to suddenly spark into life as an attacking force this weekend.

Visitors Hibs could also be of a mind to grind out a result after five straight Premiership defeats. Jack Ross’ seat at Easter Road would be hotter if not for last weekend’s cup win over Rangers, although the pressure remains to avoid defeat in Perth.

Hibs scored five times in their first two away league trips of the season, but have found the back of the net just once in four since, so they are trending downwards too.

A goalless draw looks the most likely outcome, but as neither side are exactly watertight at the back we are taking the safer option of ‘both teams to score – no’ here.