St Johnstone take on Hibernian in the final of the Scottish Cup on Saturday afternoon with both sides looking for an unlikely trophy win.
It is the first time since 2015 that a Scottish Cup final has taken place without the might of Rangers or Celtic.
Hibs are looking to win the Scottish Cup for a third time after defeating the Gers 3-2 back in 2016.
St Johnstone – who won this year’s Scottish League Cup – saw their only triumph in this competition two year prior to that after they beat Dundee United 2-0 at Celtic Park
They are priced at 43/20 to complete a remarkable cup double with Hibs available at 7/5 for punters.
Nisbet One To Watch For Hibs
Hibs have had an excellent season in the Scottish Premiership, finishing comfortably third, seven points above Aberdeen.
They are the only side other than Rangers or Celtic to record a positive goal difference this season.
Striker Kevin Nisbet is one of the reasons for that – the 24-year-old has netted 18 goals across all competitions this season and was rewarded with a place in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the upcoming European Championships.
He has forged a very good partnership up top with Welshman Christian Doidge and following a slight mid season slump, has returned to goalscoring form.
Nisbet has netted in four of his last six games and can be backed at 9/5 to score anytime.
Hibs The Best Of The Rest
Manager Jack Ross has to take a lot of credit for the way his side have performed this season.
They have bettered last season’s points tally by 28 points and are looking to win in order to secure their place in the third qualifying round for the Europa League.
Ross has injected more flair and attacking prowess into his side which explains why they have fared so well this season.
Consequently, punters can back them to score over 2.5 goals at 23/4.
Valiant Saints To Fall Short
St Johnstone have had an outstanding season under Callum Davidson as they aim to achieve an unlikely cup double.
However, their preparations for the game have been severely hampered due to a Covid outbreak in the squad – which forced several players to isolate at home and lose match sharpness.
They ended the season with only one win in their last five top-flight games, though that did come against Hibs at Easter Road.
Generally, their record against Hibs this season has been good, winning three of the five meetings, including the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup.
Hibs failed to score in any of those defeats which highlights just how well organised the ex-Scotland defender has got them in his first season in management.
They will make the game awkward for Ross’ side and it will be a tight affair but Hibs’ extra quality should shine through.
Punters who feel the encounter will be closely fought can back Hibs to win by a one-goal margin at 12/5.
*All odds correct at time of writing
