Alloa vs St Johnstone predictions, betting tips, and match previews for the League Cup. Third-tier Alloa Athletic welcome Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone to Indodrill Stadium for Tuesday’s Scottish League Cup contest. Read our free predictions and tips.
Scottish League Cup | Jul 23, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Indodrill Stadium
Alloa vs St Johnstone Predictions
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Can St Johnstone Maintain Their Perfect Start Against Alloa Athletic in the Scottish League Cup?
Key Stats
– St Johnstone have won their opening two games in the League Cup group stage.
– Alloa Athletic have scored 2 goals per game in their recent fixtures.
– Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka has scored 2 goals in his last match for St Johnstone.
In a compelling Scottish League Cup fixture, third-tier Alloa Athletic will welcome Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone to the Indodrill Stadium. As both teams vie for dominance in Group F, the match is set to be an intriguing contest, particularly given St Johnstone’s strong start to the season and Alloa’s recent playoff heartbreak.
Alloa Athletic: Battling to Impress
Alloa Athletic enter this season looking to rebound from their disappointing end to the last campaign. Having finished third in League One, they were ousted in the playoff semi-final by Hamilton Academical. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, but a narrow 3-2 defeat in the away leg dashed their promotion hopes.
However, Alloa have made a respectable start to their 2024-25 campaign in the Scottish League Cup. They secured a goalless draw against East Fife, winning the subsequent penalty shootout to gain a crucial bonus point, followed by a 3-1 victory over Brechin City. Manager Andy Graham will be keen to continue this positive trend as they face their toughest test yet in St Johnstone.
St Johnstone: Seeking Early Season Success
St Johnstone are looking to avoid another relegation battle in the Scottish Premiership this season. They narrowly escaped the relegation playoff last term due to their superior goal difference over Ross County. Now, their immediate focus is on advancing in the League Cup, a competition they won in 2020-21.
The Saints have begun their group stage campaign with a perfect record, winning 2-1 away against Brechin City and securing a 2-0 home victory over Greenock Morton, thanks to a brace from Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka. Currently topping Group F, St Johnstone will aim to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Approaches
Alloa Athletic:
- Goalkeeper: Morrison
- Defenders: Taggart, Neill, McKay, Waters
- Midfielders: Buchanan, Hetherington
- Forwards: Cawley, Roberts, Scougall; Luke
St Johnstone:
- Goalkeeper: Rae
- Defenders: Keltjens, Cameron, Sanders, Raymond
- Midfielders: Wright, Essel, MacPherson, Smith, Carey
- Forward: Kimpioka
Alloa will likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on a balanced approach between defence and attack. Their midfield, led by Buchanan and Hetherington, will be crucial in maintaining possession and shielding the defence. Forward Stefan Scougall will look to create opportunities for Luke up front.
St Johnstone are expected to line up in a 4-5-1 formation, with Kimpioka spearheading the attack. The midfield trio of Wright, Essel, and MacPherson will aim to dominate possession and provide creative outlets, while the defensive line, anchored by Cameron and Sanders, will look to keep things tight at the back.
Key Duels and Tactical Battles
One of the crucial battles will be between Alloa’s forward Stefan Scougall and St Johnstone’s central defenders Cameron and Sanders. Scougall’s movement and creativity will be vital for Alloa’s attacking efforts, while Cameron and Sanders will need to be vigilant to prevent any breakthroughs.
In the midfield, the contest between Alloa’s Hetherington and St Johnstone’s Essel will be key. Hetherington’s ability to break up play and distribute effectively will be crucial in countering St Johnstone’s midfield dominance. Meanwhile, Essel’s playmaking skills will be essential in driving St Johnstone’s attacks.
Gameplay and Strategic Insights
Alloa Athletic will likely adopt a cautious approach, focusing on maintaining a solid defensive shape and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. Their success will hinge on their ability to absorb pressure and transition quickly when in possession.
St Johnstone, on the other hand, will aim to control the game with their superior technical skills and experience. They will look to dominate possession, create scoring opportunities through patient build-up play, and exploit set-pieces. Kimpioka’s presence up front will be a constant threat to Alloa’s defence.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Alloa Athletic:
Strengths:
- Resilience and ability to perform under pressure, as shown in their penalty shootout win against East Fife.
- Balanced approach with a focus on solid defence and quick transitions.
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerability to higher-quality opposition, as seen in their playoff defeat to Hamilton Academical.
- Limited squad depth, which could be a factor in handling injuries and suspensions.
St Johnstone:
Strengths:
- Strong start to the season with back-to-back wins in the League Cup.
- Depth in midfield and a solid defensive unit capable of controlling games.
Weaknesses:
- Occasional lapses in concentration, which could be exploited by quicker opponents.
- Dependence on key players like Kimpioka for goals and creative play.
Managerial Analysis and Critique
Andy Graham has done well to rally his team after last season’s disappointment. His tactical approach has been pragmatic, focusing on getting results through a disciplined defensive structure and effective counter-attacks. However, his inexperience at this level could be a limiting factor against more tactically astute opponents.
St Johnstone’s manager has successfully guided his team to a strong start this season. His ability to instil confidence and a winning mentality in his players is commendable. However, his tactics can sometimes be overly cautious, which might prevent the team from capitalising on their full attacking potential.
Predictions
Best Bet: St Johnstone to Win and Both Teams to Score
St Johnstone’s superior quality and recent form make them favourites to win. However, Alloa’s ability to find the net in their recent matches suggests they will score. Combining these factors, a bet on St Johnstone to win and both teams to score provides value.
Correct Score: Alloa Athletic 1-2 St Johnstone
Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, a 2-1 victory for St Johnstone seems likely. Alloa’s home advantage and recent form suggest they will score, but St Johnstone’s overall quality should see them through.
Goalscorer Prediction: Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka
Kimpioka has been in excellent form, scoring twice in the last match against Greenock Morton. His goal-scoring ability and positioning make him a prime candidate to find the net again.
Which Team Will Score First: St Johnstone
Given St Johnstone’s attacking prowess and Alloa’s defensive vulnerabilities, the visitors are likely to open the scoring. St Johnstone’s strong starts in their previous matches support this prediction.
Innovative Bet: Total Team Shots on Target Over 10
St Johnstone’s offensive statistics indicate they create numerous chances per game. With players like Kimpioka leading the attack, they should manage more than 10 shots on target in this match.
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