MX23RW : Thursday, December 26 03:15:06| >> :120:69329:69329:
[monks data]
St Johnstone logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 13
Nov 11, 2023 at 3pm UK
McDiarmid Park
Ross County

St Johnstone
1 - 0
Ross County

Carey (71')
Robinson (39'), Carey (66'), Sprangler (83'), May (89')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Loturi (39'), Harmon (56'), White (64')

Preview: St Johnstone vs. Ross County - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash between St Johnstone and Ross County, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

On the back of two matches without a defeat, St Johnstone will continue to try and push themselves off the foot of the Scottish Premiership table.

Ross County, meanwhile, currently sit just above the relegation zone, opening up a crucial six-pointer between two of the league's struggling teams.


Match preview

Craig Levein in charge of Hearts on April 13, 2019© Reuters

After securing their first victory of the season against Kilmarnock, St Johnstone were able to follow up with another positive result in midweek against Motherwell.

While the Saints failed to secure another three points, they did pick up a draw even though they let a two-goal lead slip throughout the game.

Goals from Nicky Clark and Andrew Considine gave Craig Levein's the perfect start, but the defensive issues the team have dealt with all season became clear in the second half.

Letting the lead slip ensured that St Johnstone would remain bottom of the league heading into this weekend, but with just two points between them and safety, there is a lot to play for this weekend.

Considering it is Ross County themselves that sit just above the relegation zone, the club will be desperate to continue their recent form to keep pushing them out of their current situation.

Ross County manager Malky Mackay reacts on April 2, 2023© Reuters

The visitors have also been struggling at the back, as no team in the Scottish Premiership has conceded more than them this season, an issue that they need to address.

Ross County let in three goals during their most recent outing against Celtic in a game that also saw the Staggies finish with 10 men, making the situation even tougher.

The defeat marked the eighth match in a row across all competitions where Malky Mackay's men have failed to pick up a victory, continuing their difficult run of form.

The Staggies have been slightly stronger on the road in the Scottish Premiership, though, only losing two of their five matches to this point.

However, Ross County have become draw specialists in away matches, having shared points three times now which is something that they need to start changing in order to progress up the table.

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:


Ross County form (all competitions):



Team News

Ross County manager Malky Mackay reacts on March 19, 2022© Reuters

Steve May continues to be a vital squad player for St Johnstone at the moment, and his experience might be tapped into from the first whistle this time around.

Meanwhile, Clark will be expected to retain his place in attack as he continues to try and continue his run of form in front of goal.

James Brown will be missing for Ross County this weekend as his suspension begins following his recent red card which will force at least one change to the starting lineup from the loss against Celtic.

Josh Reid and Ben Paton are expected to return from injury in the near future, but it remains to be seen if they will be in contention this time around.


St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Mitov; McGowan, Gordon, Considine, Robinson; May, Sprangler, Smith, Carey; Clark, Kane

Ross County possible starting lineup:
Laidlaw; Nightingale, Baldwin, Leak, Purrington; Loturi, Randall, Allardice, Turner; Brophy, Murray


SM words green background

We say: St Johnstone 2-1 Ross County

Both of these teams are lacking confidence due to the tough start they have made to their individual campaigns. However, both will see this as a match to change those fortunes.

However, it is St Johnstone who are in slightly stronger form as of late, and that could lead to them taking all three points.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


ID:528676:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect11162:
Written by
Matthew Wilkinson

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: St Johnstone vs Ross County

St Johnstone
100%
Draw
0.0%
Ross County
0.0%
5
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
General view of Tynecastle Park, home to Hearts, from 2011
Read Next:
Hearts fan chief vows to keep ownership discussions private
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1614204444044
2RangersRangers1611232891935
3Aberdeen17104331211034
4Motherwell178272327-426
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd176742519625
6St Mirren187382429-524
7Dundee175482730-319
8Hibernian184682430-618
9Kilmarnock184681935-1618
10Hearts1844102027-716
11Ross County183691435-2115
12St Johnstone1842122134-1314


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!