Motherwell vs St Johnstone predictions for their clash at Fir Park. St Johnstone will aim to avoid the Scottish Premiership relegation playoff on Sunday as they travel to face Motherwell. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 38 – May 19, 2024 at 3pm UK at Fir Park
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Motherwell vs St Johnstone Predictions
Survival Showdown: Motherwell Host St Johnstone in Relegation Battle
Key Stats
– Motherwell have remained unbeaten in their last three home matches.
– St Johnstone have only scored 27 goals in 37 matches this season.
– Thelonius Bair has netted 15 goals, making him Motherwell’s top scorer.
Motherwell and St Johnstone are set to face off in a high-stakes Scottish Premiership clash that could determine the latter’s fate regarding relegation. As Motherwell aim to finish their season on a high, St Johnstone are fighting to avoid the relegation playoffs. This encounter promises to be intense and fiercely contested, with significant implications for both teams.
Motherwell: Inconsistent Yet Promising
Motherwell’s performances have fluctuated since the league split, oscillating between impressive victories and disappointing losses. They head into this match having been defeated 3-0 by Hibernian, a result they are keen to rebound from. Despite this, their overall form at home has been solid, with the Steelmen remaining unbeaten in their last three outings at Fir Park.
Stuart Kettlewell’s side has shown they can score freely, as evidenced by their recent thrashings of Livingston and Ross County, where they netted four and five goals, respectively. Forward Thelonius Bair, their top scorer with 15 goals, has been a vital cog in their attacking machinery. Supporting him is Blair Spittal, who has contributed significantly with nine goals this season. However, their defensive record has been a cause for concern, with Motherwell conceding 57 goals, reflecting a vulnerability at the back.
St Johnstone: Fighting for Survival
St Johnstone approach this fixture with the weight of potential relegation looming over them. A win is crucial to keep their hopes alive of avoiding the playoffs, but their form has been dire. With just one point from their last five matches, the Saints are in desperate need of a turnaround. Their most recent outing saw them snatch a last-gasp equaliser against Ross County, thanks to Adama Sidibeh’s 90th-minute goal, but it highlighted their struggle to secure wins.
The Saints’ attack has been their Achilles’ heel, scoring a mere 27 goals in 37 matches, the lowest in the league. Nicky Clark, their leading scorer with six goals, and Sidibeh, with four, will be pivotal in their bid to breach Motherwell’s defence. However, their defensive unit, led by Ryan McGowan and David Keltjens, has also had its share of lapses, conceding 53 goals this season.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Approaches
Motherwell (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeeper: Kelly
- Defenders: Casey, McGinn, Blaney
- Midfielders: O’Donnell, Halliday, Miller, Gent
- Forwards: Paton, Spittal, Bair
Kettlewell is likely to stick with a three-man defence to provide stability at the back while allowing wing-backs O’Donnell and Halliday to push forward. The creative duo of Paton and Spittal will support lone striker Bair, who will be the focal point of their attack.
St Johnstone (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Mitov
- Defenders: Wright, McGowan, Gordon, Keltjens
- Midfielders: Smith, MacPherson
- Attacking Midfielders: Carey, Clark, May
- Striker: Sidibeh
Craig Levein’s team will likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming for a balanced approach with defensive solidity and quick transitions. Clark’s role as a playmaker just behind Sidibeh will be crucial in linking up play and creating chances.
Key Battles and Field Dynamics
The midfield battle between Motherwell’s Miller and Gent against St Johnstone’s Smith and MacPherson will be pivotal. The team that can dominate this area is likely to control the game’s tempo. Motherwell’s wing-backs will also play a crucial role in stretching St Johnstone’s defence, while the duel between Motherwell’s Bair and St Johnstone’s central defenders could be decisive in the final outcome.
Expected Gameplay
Given Motherwell’s home form and attacking capabilities, they are expected to take the initiative, pressing high and looking to score early. St Johnstone, on the other hand, will likely adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on solidifying their defence and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities.
Areas for Improvement
Motherwell: The Steelmen need to tighten their defence and avoid lapses in concentration that have cost them goals. Improving their defensive discipline will be key to securing a positive result.
St Johnstone: The Saints must find a way to increase their goal-scoring opportunities. With only 27 goals scored this season, they need to be more clinical in front of goal and provide better service to their forwards.
Managerial Strengths and Criticisms
Stuart Kettlewell’s ability to motivate his team and orchestrate attacking plays has been commendable. However, his defensive strategies have often been questioned, as Motherwell’s tendency to concede goals highlights a need for better organisation at the back.
Craig Levein has been under scrutiny for St Johnstone’s poor form. While his experience is valuable, his tactics have not yielded the desired results, particularly in offensive play. A more proactive approach may be required to secure vital points.
Predictions
Best Bet: Motherwell to Win
Motherwell’s stronger home form and more consistent scoring record make them the favourites. Despite their inconsistency, they have shown they can deliver strong performances at Fir Park. Given St Johnstone’s struggles, a win for Motherwell seems the most likely outcome.
Correct Score Prediction: Motherwell 2-1 St Johnstone
Motherwell’s ability to score, coupled with St Johnstone’s desperation, suggests a close match. Motherwell’s attacking threat should see them score twice, while St Johnstone might find the net through a set-piece or counter-attack. Thus, a 2-1 win for Motherwell aligns with their overall superior form and attacking prowess.
Goalscorer Prediction: Thelonius Bair to Score Anytime
Thelonius Bair has been a consistent performer for Motherwell, leading their scoring charts with 15 goals. His presence in the box and ability to capitalise on chances make him a strong candidate to find the net against a shaky St Johnstone defence. Backing Bair to score at any time in the match is a logical prediction given his form and importance to Motherwell’s attack.
First Half Result: Motherwell to Lead
Motherwell have shown they can start games strongly, and playing at home provides an added advantage. With the pressure on St Johnstone to avoid relegation, Motherwell can exploit early nerves and take the lead in the first half. Their attacking mindset and recent home performances suggest they will be ahead at the break.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Shots on Target Over 9.5
Both teams will be highly motivated, and the match’s significance will drive them to take more risks and create more goal-scoring opportunities. Motherwell average 4 shots on target per game, and St Johnstone average around 3. The high stakes and the attacking nature of both teams should result in a match with numerous attempts on goal, making this a strong market to consider.
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