The bottom two teams in the Scottish Premiership standings are set to clash on Saturday afternoon, as St Johnstone welcome Dundee to the Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park.
The hosts are at the foot of the table with 24 points from 28 matches, while the visitors are 11th in the standings with 27 points from their 28 games played.
Match preview
© Imago
Dundee earned promotion from the Scottish Championship in 2022-23, lifting the title with 63 points from 36 matches, and they had an impressive first year back in the top flight.
The Dee placed sixth in the Scottish Premiership in 2023-24, securing 41 points from 33 outings, but they have failed to reach those same levels so far this term.
Tony Docherty's men have fallen down the table and into the relegation battle this season, currently placed 11th in the relegation playoff place having taken just 27 points after 28 games, from seven wins, six draws and 15 defeats.
Dundee have been particularly poor in their recent Scottish Premiership fixtures, failing to win any of their last seven with five successive defeats leading into this one, including two 6-0 losses in that period.
This matchup could prove crucial in Dundee's survival hopes, as three points would extend their lead over bottom-placed St Johnstone to six points, while it could see them move to within one point of safety depending on Kilmarnock's result.
However, they will face a St Johnstone side that will be determined to avoid defeat as they similarly aim to boost their survival hopes, as a win would see the Saints move onto level points with Dundee.
St Johnstone are in much superior form to their opponents heading into the encounter, having impressively ended a nine-game winless run with five victories in the last seven matches.
Simo Valakari, who took charge after Craig Levein was dismissed earlier in the season, will also look to draw on his side's recent record at the Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park, as the Saints have won four, lost two and drawn one of their past seven away meetings with Dundee.
Team News
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The hosts will be without the services of Billy Koumetio (unspecified) and Scott Fraser (groin) due to ongoing injury problems, with both likely to return early next month.
Simon Murray has scored in each of Dundee's last two matches, taking his tally to 10 league goals this season, and the striker is expected to lead the line once again here.
As for the visitors, Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka (illness), Uche Ikpeazu (unspecified), Sam McClelland (Achilles tendon) and Victor Griffith (ankle) are all ruled out for this game.
After defeating Ross County 1-0 in their most recent outing, Valakari could decide to name an unchanged starting team for this match, with goalscorer Makenzie Kirk starting just behind the striker.
Dundee possible starting lineup:
McCracken; McGhee, Astley, Donnelly, Robertson; Mulligan, Sylla, Cameron; Tiffoney, Murray, Adewumi
St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Fisher; Balodis, Mitchell, Wright; Curtis, Sprangler, Holt, Duke-McKenna; Kirk, Svedberg; Sidibeh
We say: Dundee 1-2 St Johnstone
The hosts may boast the home advantage in this matchup, but the visitors are enjoying a much greater run of form and have a favourable record at this ground, leading us to expect an away win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
