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

Livi head into the penultimate round of the regular season on the back of successive 3-0 defeats, while the Saints carry a five-game winless run to West Lothian.

Match preview

It would not be unfair to say that Livingston have flattered to deceive in recent games, as David Martindale's men have dominated their opponents without producing an end result.

After racking up 59% possession and 13 shots in a 3-0 defeat to St Mirren at the start of the month, Livingston enjoyed 54% possession while registering 11 shots against Motherwell last time out, only to lose by the same scoreline.

When you look at the bigger picture, the Lions have only managed to win one of their last seven Scottish Premiership matches, suffering five defeats in the process.

Martindale's men have also won just two of their previous eight home league games, recording four draws and two losses along the way, while only St Johnstone have scored fewer home goals than Livi this season.

Although Livingston can take confidence from the fact that St Johnstone are also struggling for consistency, the hosts must make the most of their chances on Saturday.

Like Livingston, St Johnstone head into Saturday's showdown on the back of successive losses, with a 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen preceding a disappointing 2-0 home loss against Ross County.

The Saints' winless run now stands at five matches, as Callum Davidson's men have recorded two draws and three defeats since their last victory, failing to score in three of their previous four outings.

Worse still, St Johnstone have managed to win just two of their last 14 league encounters, suffering 10 defeats to leave them five points clear of the bottom two as we approach the final phase of the campaign.

It is worth noting, however, that St Johnstone boast the fourth-best away record in the division, having picked up 20 of their 32 points on the road this season.

Having lost one of their previous four away matches - securing wins at Motherwell and Dundee United in the process - the Saints will be hopeful of leaving the Tony Macaroni Arena with something to show for their efforts.

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

D

W

L

L

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

W

D

L

D

L

L

Team News

Livingston are still without long-term absentee Tom Parkes, while fellow centre-back Ayo Obileye has joined Parkes on the injury list.

As a result, Jack Fitzwater, Nicky Devlin and Luiyi de Lucas will continue to anchor Livi's backline, with James Penrice and Steven Bradley expected to retain the full-back roles.

Having scored three goals in his last eight league appearances, Joel Nouble is expected to keep his place in attack alongside Kurtis Guthrie.

For the visitors, Nicholas Clark and Murray Davidson remain sidelined with ankle issues, while Chris Kane is likely to miss Saturday's clash due to an ankle injury.

With seven goals and six assists this term, Stevie May is St Johnstone's biggest attacking threat, so he will continue to partner Zak Rudden in the forward line.

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Bradley, Devlin, Fitzwater, De Lucas, Penrice; Kelly, Omeonga, Holt; Nouble, Guthrie

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Matthews; McGowan, Gordon, Brown; Phillips; Wright, Montgomery, Wotherspoon, Hallberg; May, Rudden

We say: Livingston 0-1 St Johnstone

Given that St Johnstone have collected more than 60% of their points on the road this season, we can see the visitors enhancing their impressive away record with a narrow victory over Livingston, who are on course to suffer a third defeat in five home games.

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