Hibernian vs Peterhead Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in the Scottish League Cup. St Johnstone host East Fife at McDiarmid Park on Saturday for the final game of the Scottish League Cup group stage. Read on for our free predictions and tips.
Scottish League Cup | Jul 27, 2024 at 3pm UK at McDiarmid Park
St Johnstone vs East Fife Predictions
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Can St Johnstone Bounce Back Against East Fife in the Scottish League Cup?
Key Stats
– St Johnstone have averaged 0.8 goals per game this season, indicating potential struggles in front of goal.
– East Fife have kept six consecutive clean sheets in their recent fixtures, showcasing their defensive solidity.
– Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka has scored three goals in his last two matches, underlining his critical role in St Johnstone’s attack.
St Johnstone are set to host East Fife at McDiarmid Park for the final match of the Scottish League Cup group stage, a game that promises to be a crucial decider for both teams. St Johnstone find themselves in third place with seven points, trailing East Fife who occupy the second spot with eight points.
Match Preview
St Johnstone began their League Cup campaign strongly with victories over Brechin City and Greenock Morton. However, their momentum was halted midweek by a 3-2 defeat to Alloa Athletic, a result that put a dent in their aspirations for the knockout stages. The match saw Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka equalising after Morgyn Neill’s opener, but a red card for Aaron Essel left St Johnstone vulnerable. Alloa capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Luke Rankin scoring twice in quick succession. Jack Sanders managed a late goal for St Johnstone, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
This loss means that St Johnstone must secure a win against East Fife to have a strong chance of progressing, potentially as one of the best second-placed teams. Anything less than three points will see them eliminated from the competition.
On the other side, East Fife enter the final group game with a solid chance to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2019-20 season. They started their campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over Greenock Morton, followed by a goalless draw against Alloa Athletic, albeit losing the bonus point in the penalty shootout. They bounced back with a commanding 4-0 victory over Brechin City, with Nathan Austin scoring twice and further goals from Liam Newton and Scott Shepherd.
East Fife’s strong defensive record, having kept three consecutive clean sheets, will be put to the test against St Johnstone. A win would guarantee East Fife top spot in the group if Alloa fail to win their match, while a draw would suffice for a top-two finish and a potential best second-placed spot.
Team News
St Johnstone are likely to be without Uche Ikpeazu and Nicky Clark due to injuries, and Aaron Essel will miss out due to suspension. Manager Craig Levein might look to freshen up the side, potentially giving starts to Matt Smith, Sven Sprangler, and Graham Carey. Forward Mbunga Kimpioka, who has netted three goals in the last two matches, will be key to their attacking efforts.
East Fife may have to assess the fitness of Alan Trouten, who was absent in the previous match. Following their emphatic win against Brechin City, manager Dick Campbell might stick with the same lineup.
St Johnstone possible starting lineup: Rae; Keltjens, McClelland, Sanders, Raymond; M Smith, MacPherson, Wright, Sprangler, Carey; Mbunga Kimpioka
East Fife possible starting lineup: McFarlane; Murdoch, Munro, Easton, Peggie; Healy, Millar, Norey, Newton; Shepherd, Austin
Expected Goals Analysis
Examining the expected goals (xG) metrics, St Johnstone have an average xG of 1.2 per game in the League Cup, indicating their capability to create scoring opportunities. Conversely, East Fife have an xG of 1.5, showcasing their efficiency in converting chances into goals. Defensively, St Johnstone’s xG against is higher at 1.4, suggesting vulnerabilities that East Fife could exploit, whereas East Fife's xG against is a solid 1.0, reflecting their recent defensive resilience.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle will be crucial, with St Johnstone's Sven Sprangler and East Fife's Kieran Millar expected to play pivotal roles. Sprangler's ability to break up play and initiate attacks will be countered by Millar’s defensive discipline and passing range. Additionally, the duel between St Johnstone's Mbunga Kimpioka and East Fife’s defenders, particularly Jonathan Page, will be significant. Kimpioka’s pace and finishing ability pose a direct threat to East Fife’s backline, which has been solid but may struggle against higher-tier opposition.
Gameplay and Strategies
St Johnstone are likely to adopt an attacking approach, aiming to exploit East Fife's defence through quick transitions and wide play. The presence of Graham Carey in midfield provides them with creativity and an eye for key passes. East Fife, on the other hand, might focus on maintaining their defensive solidity, looking to hit on the counter-attack. Their forwards, Nathan Austin and Scott Shepherd, will aim to capitalise on any defensive lapses from St Johnstone.
Tactical Strengths and Weaknesses
St Johnstone:
- Strengths: Quick transitions, strong attacking options with Kimpioka and Carey, and resilience in midfield battles.
- Weaknesses: Defensive vulnerabilities, especially when under pressure, and inconsistency in maintaining leads.
East Fife:
- Strengths: Solid defensive record, effective counter-attacks, and clinical finishing.
- Weaknesses: Potential over-reliance on defensive tactics, limited attacking depth beyond their starting forwards.
Managerial Analysis and Criticism
Craig Levein's approach has been questioned, particularly his ability to adapt tactics when under pressure. His decisions during the match against Alloa, especially in managing the game after the red card, highlighted a lack of tactical flexibility. In contrast, Dick Campbell has instilled a robust defensive structure in East Fife, though his side's ability to sustain pressure against higher-league opponents remains untested.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Considering the current form and statistical trends, several betting angles emerge for this fixture:
Best Bet: St Johnstone to win and both teams to score St Johnstone’s need for a win combined with East Fife’s solid defence suggests a competitive match where both sides are likely to find the net. St Johnstone’s home advantage and attacking prowess give them the edge to secure a vital victory.
Correct Score Prediction: St Johnstone 2-1 East Fife Aligning with the best bet, a 2-1 scoreline reflects St Johnstone’s expected offensive output while acknowledging East Fife’s ability to score, especially on the counter-attack.
Goalscorer Prediction: Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka Given his current form, Mbunga Kimpioka is a strong candidate to score at least once. His recent scoring streak and key role in the attack make him a standout option.
First Half Result: Draw Both teams might approach the first half cautiously, leading to a balanced and potentially low-scoring opening 45 minutes. A draw at half-time seems plausible given their respective defensive strengths.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target - St Johnstone Over 4.5 St Johnstone's average of 2.9 shots on target per game, coupled with the high stakes of this match, suggests they will be pushing hard offensively. A total of over 4.5 shots on target is achievable considering their attacking intent.
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