Preview: Ross County vs. Livingston - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts arrive fresh from a goalless draw away to Aberdeen, while the visitors Livingston travel to the Highlands following a stalemate with Motherwell.

Match preview

Ross County find themselves in a poor run of form under Malky Mackay and sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership table, having taken just 16 points from 20 matches.

The Staggies come into this clash against Livingston without a victory in five fixtures. They will need to pick up consistent results sooner rather than later if they have designs on moving away from the relegation zone.

Nevertheless, Ross County recorded an impressive point away to Aberdeen in their last match, showing defensive resilience to take a 0-0 draw from a test against an opponent who had 24 shots on goal and dominated possession throughout.

Unsurprisingly, it is at the other end that Ross County have struggled most this season as they have scored just 14 goals this season, which is the lowest tally in the entire division.

All focus will now turn towards facing Livingston on Saturday, where a win could move them level on points with Dundee United who sit in the relegation playoff spot.

On the other hand, Livingston have been solid in 2022-23 and occupy sixth in the Scottish Premiership standings with 25 points accumulated from 19 games.

David Martindale has overseen another commendable start to proceedings and will look to have his side challenge for a continental qualification slot between now and when the season concludes.

Last time out, his side had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Motherwell, as Kevin van Veen cancelled out a Morgan Boyes opener in the 42nd minute.

Despite the relative positivity that surrounds Livingston, their form away from the Tony Macaroni Arena could be a lot better in the grand scheme of things. From nine matches away from their home turf, the Lions have claimed just eight points in total.

This weekend, Livingston will feel they can take advantage of the current predicament Ross County are in. Should they triumph on Saturday, Livingston could leapfrog Aberdeen into fourth if other results in the league fall in their direction.

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

W

L

L

L

L

D

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

W

D

L

L

D

D

Livingston form (all competitions):

D

L

L

L

D

D

Team News

Jack Baldwin and Owura Edwards could return for Ross County on Saturday as they served their suspensions in the draw against Aberdeen on Monday.

Ben Purrington is out of contention for the Staggies as he continues his recovery from an issue with his ankle that has seen him miss several matches. Jake Eastwood has been recalled by his parent club Sheffield United and is no longer with the club.

Alex Samuel is back in training though the home tie against Livingston may come too soon for him to make his long anticipated return to the field.

For the visitors, Jason Holt is still suspended and will miss the trip to the Global Energy Stadium this weekend, while Scott Pittman has also suffered the same fate and will not participate in the action.

Tom Parkes will be absent due to a long-term knee injury and is likely to once again be joined by Joel Nouble on the sidelines who is in the process of recovering from a knee problemm of his own.

Jamie Brandon could be involved in the matchday squad as he nears the end of his spell out with a groin issue.

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Randall, Watson, Iacovitti; Johnson, Callachan, Tillson, Harmon; Dhanda, Olaigbe, White

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Devlin, Obileye, Boyes, Montano; Kelly, Kelly, Shinnie; Bahamboula, Penrice, Anderson

We say: Ross County 1-1 Livingston

In a match with significance for both sides, we expect a tight affair that will produce plenty of opportunities and could go right to the wire.

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