Ross County vs Raith Predictions for this Scottish Premiership play-off second leg. Ross County, leading 2-1, host Raith in the second leg of their Scottish Premiership playoff. Read on for our match preview and free betting tips.
Scottish Premiership | Final – May 26, 2024 at 12.00pm UK at Victoria Park Dingwall
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Ross County vs Raith Predictions
Clash in Dingwall: Can Ross County Secure Safety Against Resilient Raith Rovers?
Key Stats
– Ross County have seen both teams score in their last eight home games.
– Raith Rovers have kept 12 clean sheets this season but face a stern test against a Premiership side.
– Simon Murray has netted 14 times this season, making him a key threat in this decisive match.
The upcoming clash between Ross County and Raith Rovers promises to be an intense and closely fought affair as the two sides meet for the second leg of their Scottish Premiership playoff tie. With a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg, Ross County are in the driver’s seat but cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal against a resilient Raith Rovers side.
Ross County’s Ascent Under Don Cowie
Ross County have shown commendable form recently, losing only five of their last 14 matches and suffering just one defeat in their last eight home games. This improvement coincides with Don Cowie’s temporary charge, highlighting his influence on the team’s performance. The Staggies’ ability to control the first leg at Stark’s Park, despite difficult conditions, underscores their tactical discipline and resilience.
Cowie’s men demonstrated their quality by maintaining composure under pressure, and with Yan Dhanda and Jack Baldwin making significant contributions, they managed to secure a crucial away victory. Dhanda’s versatility and Baldwin’s aerial prowess will be pivotal again as Ross County look to cement their Premiership status.
Raith Rovers’ Determination and Fighting Spirit
Raith Rovers, managed by Ian Murray, might lack the star power of their Premiership counterparts but make up for it with determination and team cohesion. Their ability to stay in the tie, thanks to Sam Stanton’s late goal, speaks volumes about their never-say-die attitude. Rovers have been prolific in front of goal, with Lewis Vaughan and Dylan Easton leading the charge. Vaughan’s 15 goals this season demonstrate his lethal finishing, making him a constant threat to the Ross County defence.
Raith’s defensive record is solid, with 12 clean sheets this season, yet they face a significant challenge in curbing Ross County’s attack, which has averaged 1 goal per game. The Rovers will need to draw upon their defensive stability and the creative spark of players like Easton and Stanton to turn the tie around.
Tactical Dynamics and Key Player Duels
The match is likely to be decided in midfield, where Dhanda’s playmaking abilities for Ross County will clash with Stanton’s dynamism for Raith Rovers. Dhanda’s knack for delivering key passes and Baldwin’s heading ability, particularly from set-pieces, pose significant threats. Conversely, Raith’s Easton will need to be at his creative best to unlock the Staggies’ defence.
Ross County’s defence, marshalled by Ryan Leak and Loick Ayina, will need to be vigilant against Vaughan and Mitchell’s attacking forays. The Rovers’ high pressing and quick transitions could exploit any lapses in concentration from the Staggies’ backline, making it a compelling battle.
Expected Lineups and Formations
Ross County:
- Goalkeeper: Ross Laidlaw
- Defenders: George Wickens, Ryan Leak, Loick Ayina, Jack Baldwin, William Nightingale
- Midfielders: Yan Dhanda, Teddy Jenks, Ben Purrington
- Forwards: Simon Murray, Jordan White
Raith Rovers:
- Goalkeeper: Andrew McNeil
- Defenders: Keith Watson, Kyle Turner, Kevin Dąbrowski
- Midfielders: Ethan Ross, Dylan Easton, Aidan Connolly, Sam Stanton
- Forwards: Lewis Vaughan, Kieran Mitchell
Ross County are expected to line up in a balanced formation, focusing on controlling possession and utilising the wings for attacking plays. Their defensive organisation will be crucial in countering Raith’s quick transitions. Raith Rovers, on the other hand, will likely adopt a more aggressive approach, pressing high and looking to exploit spaces behind Ross County’s defence.
Areas of Improvement and Potential Pitfalls
Ross County:
- Strengths: Their recent home form and defensive solidity, coupled with the attacking prowess of Dhanda and Baldwin.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerability to high pressing and quick counter-attacks.
- Improvement: Increasing possession efficiency, particularly in the opposition half, and reducing errors that lead to scoring opportunities for the opponent.
Raith Rovers:
- Strengths: Resilience and fighting spirit, combined with a potent attack led by Vaughan.
- Weaknesses: Defensive lapses, particularly against set-pieces.
- Improvement: Maintaining defensive discipline while pressing high and converting chances more clinically.
Managerial Analysis and Criticism
Don Cowie has injected a sense of stability and resilience into Ross County, but his tactical flexibility will be tested against a determined Raith side. While Cowie’s temporary tenure has seen improvements, questions remain about his ability to adapt mid-game and his strategic approach in high-stakes matches.
Ian Murray, on the other hand, deserves credit for instilling a fighting spirit within his team. However, his tactical rigidity at times and failure to close out games, as seen in the first leg, could prove costly. Murray needs to ensure his team remains focused and tactically adaptable to overcome the Premiership side.
Predictions
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score
Both teams have demonstrated attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities. Ross County have seen both teams score in their last eight home games, while Raith Rovers have had similar outcomes in their recent matches. With the attacking talents on both sides, it’s likely both teams will find the net.
Correct Score Prediction: Ross County 2-1 Raith Rovers
Given Ross County’s recent home form and Raith Rovers’ fighting spirit, another 2-1 scoreline seems plausible. Ross County’s controlled play and Raith’s relentless attack should see a repeat of the first leg’s outcome.
Goalscorer Prediction: Simon Murray to Score Anytime
Simon Murray has been a key figure for Ross County, scoring 14 goals this season. His ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a strong candidate to score, especially given Raith’s defensive weaknesses.
Corner Prediction: Over 9.5 Corners
Both teams average a considerable number of corners per game, with Ross County at 4.6 and Raith Rovers at 5.1. The attacking nature of both sides and the high stakes of the match suggest a high corner count is likely.
Innovative Market Prediction: Ross County Over 2.5 Shots on Target
Ross County average 3.4 shots on target per game. Given their home advantage and the stakes of this match, they are likely to test Raith’s goalkeeper frequently, making this a viable market to consider.
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