Jack Ross's high-flying Hibernian side will take on St Johnstone in Saturday's highly-anticipated Scottish League Cup semi-final at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.

Hibs, who are currently third in the Scottish Premiership, are the firm favourites going into this tie, but the Saints are not likely to give up a spot in the final easily.

Match preview

Hibernian manager Jack Ross pictured in October 2020 © Reuters

Over a decade has passed since Hibs last won the Scottish League Cup and it has been over five years since the side last reached the final of the competition.

Coming up against the Saints, who have only won five league games this season, Ross will be quietly confident that his side can take the initiative and march on to the final.

Still, while results appear to be going in their favour this season, Ross will be conscious of the fact that their cup run so far has been fuelled as much by luck as it has been by solid performances.

Against second-tier Alloa Athletic last time out, Ross's men left it late but eventually edged their way past the Clackmannanshire outfit courtesy of an own goal from Nicky Jamieson.

Going into this tie, there is no doubt that Ross will expect his side to dispatch their opponents in a more decisive manner. To do so, Ross will likely select leading goalscorer Kevin Nisbet, who has netted 11 goals so far this season.

General view of McDiarmid Park, home to St Johnstone, from 2015 © Reuters

Over 20 years have passed since the Saints last reached the final of the Scottish League Cup. In that match, the Perth-based outfit lost 2-1 to Rangers, with Germany international Jorg Albertz scoring the winner.

St Johnstone have blown hot and cold this season under manager Callum Davidson, with the team currently ninth in the table just four points away from the relegation zone.

However, the team's cup run has been a source of optimism for Davidson's men, with the Saints finding their way past some tricky opponents.

In their quarter-final against Dunfermline Athletic, the Saints teased elimination and kept fans on the edge of their seats, with the tie going all the way to penalties.

St Johnstone Scottish League Cup form: WWLWWW
St Johnstone form (all competitions): LLDDDW

Hibernian Scottish League Cup form: WWWWWW
Hibernian form (all competitions): WLLLDW

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Kevin Nisbet pictured for Hibernian in October 2020 © Reuters

Davidson tends to rotate his side in cup games, however the Stirling-born manager may well opt to play his best team in this tie.

Fortunately for Davidson, there are no absentees to his side coming into this match, so he will be able to select a fully fit starting XI.

In comparison, Ross will be without a number of players for this game. Joe Newell, Ofir Marciano, Kyle Magennis, Sean Mackie and Scott Allan will all be missing due to injury.

Much like Davidson, Ross will likely pick a strong side ahead of this semi-final.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Clark; Kerr, Gordon, McCart; Rooney, Bryson, McCann, Tanser, Wotherspoon; Melamed, Kane

Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Macey; McGinn, Porteous, Hanlon, Doig; Gogic, Hallberg, Boyle, Irvine, Murphy; Nisbet

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We say: St Johnstone 1-2 Hibernian

Neither of these two sides can be described as goal-shy, so expect an enthralling game on Saturday. St Johnstone will not go down without a fight but we think Hibs have the muscle to march on to the final.

Top betting tip

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