St. Johnstone are set to welcome Ross County midweek in the Scottish Premiership. The home side have been struggling for form all season, while the away side have been inconsistent as well. Can St. Johnstone bounce back against Ross County?
St. Johnstone have been struggling for form all season. The 0-2 defeat against Motherwell was their fifth straight defeat of the season. They are facing issues in creating chances and have been poor defensively in the recent matches. In their previous game against Motherwell, while they took a total of nine shots, St. Johnstone only had one shot on target, which came late in the game. Most of their shots were taken from outside the opposition box. Dean Cornelius scored in the 17th minute before Kevin van Veen capped off the win with a low strike in the 55th minute. St. Johnstone were struggling to create goal-scoring chances throughout the match and failed to cause trouble for Motherwell’s defense. As a result, they are bottom of the table in the relegation zone with three wins, five draws, and 10 losses in 18 matches. Although the Saints have been successful in bouncing back in the second half of the season, after a slow start in previous campaigns, they would need to find their scoring feet in their next game as they face fellow relegation contenders, Ross County. Cammy MacPherson is sidelined with a groin issue, while David Wotherspoon will also miss out as he is nursing a knee concern.
Despite their poor defensive record in the recent matches, the Saints have conceded the fourth-lowest goals in the league. They are among the teams sitting in the top half of the table in terms of goals conceded. St. Johnstone average 0.996 goals per game.
The Saints’ issues in creating clear-cut goal-scoring chances are further highlighted by their low number of shots from inside the penalty box. They average 3.32 shots from inside the penalty box per match.
After a slow start to the season, Ross County have displayed few signs of revival in their recent matches. Although they are still placed in the relegation zone, their form in recent matches will give them confidence as the season moves closer to the winter break. In their previous match against Livingston, County were left frustrated as they failed to take three points after taking the lead through David Cancola just before the break during stoppage time. Cancola’s effort was canceled out by Ayo Obileye late in the second half. County have secured 11 points from the last 21 available. Manager Malky Mackay remains confident of the momentum that his side are building as they head into the important bottom of the table clash against the Saints. Alex Lacovitti is set to miss out on the fixture due to a hamstring concern.
In their previous game against Livingston, County were impressive in the first half although, the opponents came back strong in the second half and were able to take a point from the game. Blair Spittal took the joint-highest number of shots while Connor Randall won the highest number of aerial duels.
Ross County have scored fourth-highest number of goals so far, the only teams above them are Hearts, Celtic and Rangers. County have averaged more than one goal per match.
Predicted XI
St. Johnstone (3-4-2-1): Clark; Brown, Gordon, McCart; Devine, Craig, Bryson, Rooney; Crawford, O’Halloran; May.
Ross County (4-4-2): Maynard-Brewer; Clarke, Watson, Baldwin, Vokins; Spittal, Cancola, Tillson, Charles-Cook; White, Samuel.
Prediction
Both teams would be looking to secure victories and move closer to the safety zone. A draw is a likely scenario for this one.
