THE LOWDOWN
Lee Johnson's side will want to start the campaign strongly as we head 50-miles north to Perth to take on St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park (kick-off at 3pm).
Despite a disappointing Premier Sports Cup campaign, the team overcame Norwich City last weekend and will be looking to bring that momentum into the start of the league season.
The Hibees visit McDiarmid Park as part of an opening stint of games that includes the Edinburgh Derby at Easter Road and a short trip to Livingston before we cap off August by hosting Rangers and travelling to St Mirren.
THE OPPOSITION
The Saints finished second-bottom in the cinch Premiership last season, avoiding relegation by beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle 6-2 on aggregate in the promotion play-offs.
Ahead of the season opener, Callum Davidson’s side have also fallen short in the Premier Sports Cup, finishing third. They lost to both Annan Athletic and Queen of the South on penalties but finished the competition strongly with victories against Elgin City and Ayr United.
There could be a selection of former Hibees on show at McDiarmid Park as St. Johnstone’s squad includesSwede Melker Hallberg, winger Drey Wright and new-signing Jamie Murphy, who all played at Easter Road last season.
Saints’ manager Callum Davidson has already spoken to the press, and they seem to be at full strength ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
TEAM NEWS
Aiden McGeady is a doubt after coming off with a knee injury against Norwich City on Saturday.
Although back in training, Johnson is without the injured Demetri Mitchell and Paul Hanlon. Meanwhile, Kyle Magennis, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Lewis Stevenson, and Kevin Nisbet are still be absent from the squad.
Our manager does have two new boys available! The work permits have been approved for Marijan Čabraja (above) and Élie Youan.
David Marshall is also back available after recovering from his sickness bug.
TICKETS
Limited tickets are available for the game, so CLICK HERE to get yours!
