Ayr United vs Hibernian Prediction

The fifth round of the Scottish Cup sees second-tier high fliers Ayr United - coached by Celtic legend Scott Brown - take on Premiership club Hibernian at Somerset Park. Three-time winners Hibernian last won the competition in the 15/16 campaign, and last reached the final in 2021. They however will have to travel east to Ayrshire to face the Honest Men, who have made Somsert Park a fortress this season.

Key Stats:

• Hibernian won their first game of the tournament 3-0 against Clydebank in the fourth round.
• Both teams were knocked out by Rangers on their run to the final in last year's competition.
• Ayr United’s George Oakley is the top scorer in the Scottish Championship with 11 goals.
• Ayr United have lost once at home all season.

Ayr United vs Hibernian Previews, Form and Players to Watch:

Both sides are having successful seasons so this tie sees two strong sets of form go head to head. Ayr United have five straight wins from their last five and are currently on an unbeaten run of eight games, losing twice in their previous 14 matches. In the last round of the Scottish Cup, they beat Broxburn Athletic 8-0 away from home.

Hibernian have also not lost in their last five, winning three and drawing two. That includes a 3-3 draw with Rangers and a win over Aberdeen. They are currently on an unbeaten run of 10 and have lost once in their last 13 games.

Ayr United Preview:

Predicted Line Up (3-5-2): Harry Stone, Michael Devlin, Scott McMann, Lenny Agbaire, Jamie Murphy, Cole McKinnon, Mark McKenzie, Dylan Watret, Patrick Reading, Jay Henderson, George Oakley

Scott Brown’s dynamic duo this season has been the forward partnership of George Oakley and Jay Henderson. An experienced striker combined with a young loanee, Oakley has 14 goals and 4 assists this season in all competitions and is the Championship top scorer. Henderson incredibly has 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season. The pair have started recent games up top together and will be looking to do more damage against Hibs in the cup.

Hibernian Preview:

Predicted Line Up (3-4-1-2): Jordan Smith, Jack Iredale, Rocky Bushiri, Warren O’Hora, Lewis Miller, Jordan Obita, Dylan Levitt, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, Junior Hoilett, Martin Boyle, Kieron Bowie

A cup fixture against a weaker team could see Kieron Bowie handed his first start for the club, the young Fulham loanee has come off the bench in recent games, so will be looking to make a mark if given the chance to shine. He could be playing alongside the evergreen Martin Boyle, the Australian international has 12 goals in all competitions this season, bettering last season’s tally of 11 making it double-figure goal contributions for two years straight.

Head-to-Head Stats - Ayr United vs Hibernian

These two sides haven’t met often recently due to Hibernian’s long stay in the top flight. Hibs won nine of the last 15 meetings between the sides, Ayr won two and there were four draws. The previous three results in this fixture are as follows:

• Hibernian 5-0 Ayr United, August 2017 (Scottish League Cup)
• Ayr United 0-4 Hibernian, April 2017 (Scottish Championship)
• Hibernian 3-1 Ayr United, March 2017 (Scottish Cup)

Betting Tips for Ayr United vs Hibernian

With Ayr currently focusing on trying to secure a return to the top flight for the first time since the late 70s, they will prioritise league and not cup fixtures. With the potential that the Championship side will rotate, and Hibernian being a stronger side on paper, the away side should win easily.

For this reason, our betting professionals suggest Hibernian to Win as the best value tip for this game. With odds of 4/5, a bet of £10 could see a return of up to £18.20.

(odds subject to change)

Final Prediction:

Ayr United 1-3 Hibernian