St Johnstone look to achieve a cup double as they meet Hibernian in 2020-21 Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park.
St Johnstone come into this match chasing a second Scottish Cup title, whereas Hibs chase a fourth Scottish Cup crown.
Team News
Chris Kane could return to St Johnstone’s starting lineup after being utilised in last Saturday’s goalless draw against Livingston.
Scott Tanser (ankle) remains ruled out
Hibernian manager, Jack Ross could recall several regulars including Matt Macey, Kevin Nisbet and Martin Boyle, having rested a small number of players for last weekend’s goalless draw at home to Celtic.
Chris Cadden (back) and Sean Mackie (thigh) remain absent.
Route to the Final
St Johnstone
| Round | Opposition | Venue | Result |
| 3 | Dundee | Away | 0-1 |
| 4 | Clyde | Home | 2-0 |
| Quarter-Final | Rangers | Away | 1-1 (4-2 on penalties) |
| Semi Final | St Mirren | Neutral | 1-2 |
Guy Melamed’s 20th minute effort proved enough to snatch a Fourth Round win at Dundee, before Melamed and Michael O’Halloran guided the Saints to a routine home win over Clyde of Scottish League One.
Chris Kane’s late strike cancelled James Tavernier’s extra-time opener at Rangers in a tense Quarter-Final, with the Saints eventually prevailing 4-2 on penalties in a shock win over the current Scottish Premiership champions.
Kane and Glenn Middleton struck in two minutes to knock St Mirren out in the semi-finals, confirming a second cup final of this season for the Saints after they won the Scottish League Cup in late February.
Hibernian
| Round | Opposition | Venue | Result |
| 3 | Queen of the South | Away | 1-3 |
| 4 | Stranraer | Away | 0-4 |
| Quarter-Final | Motherwell | Home | 2-2 (4-2 on penalties) |
| Semi Final | Dundee United | Neutral | 0-2 |
Christian Doidge netted twice as Hibs swiftly cleared Queen of the South 3-1 at Palmerston Park, before finding the net in a 4-0 away win at Stranraer with Martin Boyle picking up a brace.
Jack Ross Hibs’ survived a late defensive meltdown in the Quarter-Finals to defeat Motherwell 4-2 on penalties, after a 2-2 draw at Easter Road following extra time.
Clinical strikes from Kevin Nisbet and Doidge in the semi-finals proved enough to squeeze past Dundee United, with Hibs reaching their first Final since winning this competition in 2015-16 season.
Stat Attack
- This is Hibernian’s first Scottish Cup meeting against St Johnstone since winning their Quarter-Final clash of 1992-93 Scottish Cup 2-0 at Easter Road.
- St Johnstone have won their only previous Scottish Cup Final, defeating Dundee United in 2013-14 Final.
- Hibernian have won just one of their last five Scottish Cup Finals (W1, L4).
- Chris Kane and Guy Melamed are St Johnstone’s joint top goalscorers in this season’s Scottish Cup with two goals apiece.
- Christian Doidge is Hibs’ top goalscorer in this season’s Scottish Cup with five goals across the Hibees’ four rounds.
- This is the first Scottish Cup match this season involving both finalists to be refereed by Nick Walsh.
Prediction
Having already tasted success at Hampden Park this season and unbeaten in three clashes against Hibs this season, St Johnstone certainly do have the potential to cause issues with their five-man defence.
Callum Davidson’s Saints however have been hit by a Coronavirus outbreak in recent weeks, with some players still rebuilding their match fitness which could well come into play if Hibs can make this game very physical and force extra time if necessary.
Hibs however come into this Final with just one win in their last six trips to Hampden Park, yet boast a quality front three but have failed to convert that quality into victories this season against St Johnstone.
On that note, I feel like this will either be a cracking contest packed with opportunities or a tight cagey battle, but the first goal will be crucial because if the Saints score then I can see them defending a lead.
I however have a feeling that having not won any of their meetings this season, Hibs should have enough to tactically find a way through to take victory by hook or crook.
Prediction: St Johnstone 1-2 Hibernian
Result: St Johnstone 1-0 Hibernian
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