Preview: St Johnstone vs. Livingston - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one off the back of a defeat against Aberdeen, while the visitors are in better spirits following a win over Ross County.

Match preview

St Johnstone find themselves without a win in four matches coming into their clash against Livingston and Callum Davidson will feel he has a point to prove as his side searches for some momentum.

The Saints sit eighth in the Scottish Premiership table, though will be keen to ensure they do not end up near the relegation playoff slot, which they currently sit five points clear of at present.

Last time out, a double from Aberdeen forward Luis Lopes condemned St Johnstone to a 2-0 defeat at Pittodrie in a match that presented chances for both sides.

St Johnstone will look to improve their home form in the coming months, as they have won just three times from 10 matches at McDiarmid Park in the league.

Beating Livingston would be a good start, with the potential for St Johnstone to leapfrog Hibernian into seventh with a win if other results also fall their way.

Livingston are enjoying another excellent campaign with David Martindale at the helm and occupy fifth in the Premiership ranks going into their tie with St Johnstone.

The Lions are unbeaten in their last three outings and have entered the discussion for continental qualification at the end of 2022-23 in light of their consistent performances.

In their latest match, Bruce Anderson struck twice to down Ross County by a score of 2-0 at the Global Energy Stadium as the visitors claimed three points.

Livingston will have consecutive away victories in mind and could move ahead of Aberdeen into fourth due to the Dons being in Scottish League Cup action against Rangers on Sunday.

St Johnstone will be a tough nut to crack for Livi, creating an intriguing encounter that will no doubt be an entertaining watch for the neutral.

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

D

W

L

L

L

L

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

L

D

D

W

Livingston form (all competitions):

L

L

L

D

D

W

Team News

St Johnstone will be without striker Chris Kane for the visit of Livingston on Saturday, as he is still suffering from significant cartilage damage.

Charlie Gilmour has been recalled from his loan at Cove Rangers, with the youngster said to require ankle surgery, ruling him out of playing any part this weekend upon his return.

Murray Davidson has missed several matches with an ankle problem and could be sidelined once again for the hosts.

For the visitors, Joel Nouble has sustained a knee injury and is unlikely to be fit in time for the St Johnstone match, while Tom Parkes is also missing for the same reason.

Steven Bradley could maintain his place in the side following an impressive performance at Ross County last weekend.

Cristian Montano and Shamal George are at risk of suspension if they pick up a booking at any point during the fixture.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Matthews; Mitchell, Gordon, Considine; Wright, MacPherson, McGowan, Gallacher; Carey; May, Murphy

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Devlin, Fitzwater, Boyes, Penrice; Shinnie, Kelly, Omeonga; Bradley, Kelly, Anderson

We say: St Johnstone 1-1 Livingston

In an encounter with much at stake, we expect a tight match that will go right down to the wire between both sides.

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