Two teams that need points for vastly different reasons will meet on Saturday as St Mirren play host to St Johnstone.
The Buddies are currently pushing to try and break into the Scottish Premiership top four, while the visitors are currently just outside the relegation zone.
Match preview
© Reuters
St Mirren could possibly end the weekend as a top-four team in the Scottish Premiership, but nothing less than three points will do if they want to make that happen.
While the Buddies will still be reliant on Kilmarnock not winning, the fact there is only a two-point gap between the clubs does give each plenty to play for.
However, Steve Robinson will need to see an improved performance from his men than the ones they displayed in their two most recent outings in which they failed to score a goal.
St Mirren were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Celtic after a 2-0 loss, and they followed that up last weekend with a 1-0 defeat against Livingston in the league.
Being at home could be key to turning that around though as the Buddies have only suffered four of their 11 Scottish Premiership defeats this season at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.
© Reuters
The visitors will be aiming to change that on Saturday, mainly because St Johnstone are in just as desperate need of three points even if it is for entirely different reasons.
The Saints are currently 10th in the table, having won just five league matches so far in this campaign which has left them five points above the relegation zone.
Away form has proven to be a big problem for St Johnstone this season, managing just one victory on the road which is an issue that Craig Levein needs to address.
Recent form is not on their side either as the Saints have lost three consecutive matches heading into this weekend, which included a 3-0 loss against Rangers during their most recent performance.
However, a 95th-minute Chris Kane goal secured St Johnstone a 1-0 win the last time they faced their opponents, which should provide a slight confidence boost to the team.
Team News
© Reuters
James Bolton could be brought back into the lineup for St Mirren following his suspension, especially since the Buddies were unable to keep a clean sheet last weekend.
Robinson also has several injury problems to consider as Mark O'Hara, Conor McMenamin and Ryan Strain are all out of action at the moment.
The visitors also have a couple of long-term absentees in the forms of Ali Crawford and Drey Wright, and they will not be available on Saturday either.
Liam Gordon should be at the heart of a back three for St Johnstone this weekend, and considering the recent 3-0 loss there will be mounting pressure on him and his teammates to tighten things up.
St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Hemming; Bolton, Gogic, Fraser; Bwomono, Kwon, Boyd-Munce, Tanser; Scott, Mandron, Kiltie
St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Mitov; McGowan, Gordon, Considine; Olufunwa, Smith, Keltjens, Robinson; Carey; Mbunga-Kimpioka, Clark
We say: St Mirren 2-0 St Johnstone
St Johnstone might have taken three points the last time these two teams met, but the opposite result is more likely this time around.
The recent form of both teams points to a St Mirren win, particularly since the hosts could push into the top four with a win here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
