HIBERNIAN will go into Saturday’s Scottish Cup final knowing that a victory will provide the cherry on top of what has been a season of significant progress in Leith.

The Betfred Cup semi-final exit to St Johnstone and the 2019/20 Scottish Cup loss to rivals Hearts at the same stage (when the tie was eventually played in December last year) were sore defeats that have left some questioning Hibs’ bottle when it really matters.

Jack Ross and his players will get the chance to prove the nay-sayers wrong at Hampden though, with Callum Davidson’s Saints all that stands between the Hibees and Scottish Cup glory.

Here’s how we think the men from the capital will line up at the national stadium.

Formation: 3-5-2

MATT MACEY

Glasgow Times:

The goalkeeper has been Ross' first pick in the cups since arriving initially on loan in January and has since signed a two-year deal at Easter Road. With Ofir Marciano having apparently made his final appearance for the Hibees, Macey seems a certainty to get the nod between the sticks.

PAUL HANLON

Glasgow Times:

The centre-back has enjoyed a fine campaign in Leith so far and his experience at the back should be crucial for Ross this weekend. The Hibs skipper is another who, barring injury, will be one of the first names on the team sheet.

RYAN PORTEOUS

Glasgow Times:

The Hibs academy graduate made a dreadful error the last time these two sides met, carelessly passing the ball across his own box and gifting Saints the only goal of the game. The 22-year-old will need to be more switched on at Hampden if his side are to triumph but Porteous seems a certainty to start in the heart of the defence.

PAUL McGINN

Glasgow Times:

Hibs’ Mr Dependable. Aside from a few Betfred Cup games, McGinn has played in every game for his side this season and is a shoe-in to start on the right of defence against St Johnstone. Will be hoping to match the achievements of his brother John, who lifted the trophy with Hibs in 2016. You may have heard of him.

JOSH DOIG

Glasgow Times:

The Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year, and with good reason. Doig’s enthusiastic runs down the left flank have caused opposition headaches all season and we can look forward to watching the talented teenager strut his stuff at Hampden on Saturday.

JACKSON IRVINE

Glasgow Times:

The central midfielder has made a good impression in Ross’ starting line-up since pitching up at Easter Road in January and the Australia internationalist should get the nod to start against St Johnstone. The box-to-box player will need to provide plenty of industry to keep Hibs ticking over in the middle but his performances for the club so far would suggest he can do precisely that.

ALEX GOGIC

Glasgow Times:

The tough-tackling Cypriot plays a crucial role at the base of midfield for Hibs, providing some much-needed balance as he focuses primarily on the defensive side of the game. His individual battle with David Wotherspoon should make for fascinating viewing – it could well be where the final is won and lost.

MELKER HALLBERG

Glasgow Times:

Given the way his side were picked apart the last time these two teams met at Hampden, Ross may well be tempted to select a slightly more pragmatic starting XI. Joe Newell and Hallberg seem the two most likely candidates for the midfield berth but given the latter’s physicality, he could be preferred to the more technical Newell.

MARTIN BOYLE

Glasgow Times:

There’s simply no way Hibs’ star man is missing this one. Operating as a winger/striker hybrid, Boyle has been one of the most dangerous wide players in the Premiership this season. If he receives good service and is on form, he will be the most dangerous player on the park.

CHRISTIAN DOIDGE

Glasgow Times:

The big Welshman isn’t the most prolific goal scorer in Scotland but his sheer physicality makes him a real handful for defenders. His ability to hold the ball up and operate as a target man helps bring his team-mates into the game, while he is a tireless worker in the final third.

KEVIN NISBET

Glasgow Times:

Hibs’ top scorer this season will be riding the crest of a wave after being named in Steve Clarke’s 26-man Scotland squad for this summer’s Euros. With 18 goals in all competitions this term, Nisbet is by far the most potent goal threat that the Hibees have to offer. A goal or two on Saturday would only bolster an already fast-growing reputation.