St Johnstone v Ross County predictions for this SPL clash. St Johnstone’s 15-year Scottish Premiership stint at risk after 2-1 defeat to relegated Livingstone. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 36 – May 15, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at McDiarmid Park
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St Johnstone vs Ross County Predictions
High Stakes at McDiarmid Park: St Johnstone vs Ross County in a Battle for Survival
Key Stats
– St Johnstone has only one clean sheet in their last 13 games.
– Both teams have scored in the majority of recent games for both St Johnstone and Ross County.
– Ross County has not kept a clean sheet in their last 14 away games.
In what is set to be a pivotal clash at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, St Johnstone host Ross County in a match that could define the relegation battle. Both teams have struggled defensively throughout the season, with St Johnstone in particular showing fragility at the back that has seen them fail to secure their Premiership status thus far. Ross County, only slightly better off in the table, also find themselves in a precarious position, making this encounter a must-win for both sides.
Tactical Analysis
St Johnstone’s approach has been marred by defensive instability, leading to a paltry number of clean sheets. Their strategy in recent games has involved an attempt to press high and regain possession quickly, but this has often left them exposed at the back. Ross County, on the other hand, have shown some resilience in attack but their defensive record, especially away from home, leaves much to be desired. The lack of clean sheets for Ross County is a testament to their ongoing struggles in organising their back line.
Both teams have demonstrated some prowess in front of goal, suggesting that neither side will sit back in this crucial fixture. The midfield battle will be key, with both sides needing to control the game’s tempo to mitigate their defensive vulnerabilities.
Key Player Matchups
The direct confrontation between St Johnstone’s lead striker, Nicky Clark, and Ross County’s central defenders could decide the outcome. Clark’s ability to find space and his experience could exploit Ross County’s often disorganised backline. For Ross County, Simon Murray’s pace and finishing ability will test St Johnstone’s shaky defence, especially in counter-attacking scenarios.
In-Depth Team Analysis
- St Johnstone’s Expected Line-Up: The hosts will rely on their traditional setup, looking to utilise the physical presence of Clark upfront, supported by a midfield that must balance defensive solidity with the need to create chances.
- Ross County’s Expected Line-Up: Ross County will likely keep their formation compact, trying to exploit the counter-attack using Murray’s speed. Their midfield will need to disrupt St Johnstone’s play and quickly transition to offence to exploit the host’s defensive gaps.
Predictions
- Best Bet – Draw: Given both teams’ desperation for points and their comparable forms, a draw seems a plausible outcome. Both teams have shown enough quality to score but also possess significant vulnerabilities that might prevent them from securing a win. This match is likely to be tightly contested, with both sides scoring but unable to claim all three points.
- Correct Score – 1-1: Aligning with the prediction of a draw, a 1-1 scoreline is anticipated. Both teams have been involved in numerous games where both have scored, reflecting their offensive capabilities and defensive deficiencies. This scoreline reflects a balance of their strengths and weaknesses, with each side finding the net but unable to produce a winner.
- Goalscorer Prediction – Nicky Clark to Score: As St Johnstone’s leading scorer, Nicky Clark is the most likely candidate to find the back of the net. His knack for being in the right place at the right time and his finishing ability will be crucial in what is expected to be a high-stakes match. Given Ross County’s defensive record, Clark will have opportunities to add to his tally.
- Team to Score First – St Johnstone: With the backing of their home crowd and the urgency to move away from the relegation zone, St Johnstone is likely to start the match on the front foot. This urgency, combined with Ross County’s poor record of conceding early in away games, makes St Johnstone the favourites to open the scoring.
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