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

This will act as a true 'six-pointer' as Ross County host Livingston in a game neither can afford to lose.

Match preview

Saturday will act as Dan Cowie's first time in charge of the team in front of the home fans, and he will be hoping that can provide the boost needed to change Ross County's fortunes.

Cowie has failed to pick up any points over the past two weeks since taking temporary charge, but that is something that the Staggies can ill-afford to continue if they want to survive in the top flight.

Ross County currently sit in the relegation playoff spot, but with only three points between them and Livingston, a defeat this weekend could see them sink to the foot of the table.

The Staggies have been slightly stronger at home this season, which is where three of their four victories have come from within the campaign, and that should breathe some confidence and belief into the squad.

It has been 11 games since they last secured three points, with that result taking place in December which is a showcase of how difficult things have been as of late.

This season has also been one to forget for the visitors, who will be just as desperate to gain three points as time begins to run out in their quest for survival.

Livingston shared the points with Ross County the last time they met in what proved to be a thrilling 2-2 draw which featured two goals in the final five minutes of the game as Daniel MacKay rescued the result for the Lions.

David Martindale's men will also take confidence from the fact that they head into this weekend on the back of consecutive victories, showcasing they have the quality to pick up positive results.

The Lions progressed in the Scottish FA Cup with a 3-2 win against Partick Thistle, and they followed that up with a 1-0 victory against St Mirren last weekend.

Tete Yengi scored the only goal of that game, but it was the impressive defensive display that Martindale will have been most proud of, and repeating that feat could be crucial this weekend.

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

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Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

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Livingston form (all competitions):

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Team News

Josh Reid and Eamonn Brophy have both been key players for Cowie since he took charge of the team, and both men are likely to feature this weekend.

The Staggies are also close to welcoming Ross Callachan back into the squad, while this weekend will come too soon for him he is going to be training again from Monday.

Yengi will be expected to keep his place in the team after scoring the match-winner last weekend, and he should be the spearhead of the attack.

Cristian Montano and Jack Hamilton are both likely to miss out on this crucial fixture though due to muscle strains.

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Wickens; Ayina, Nightingale, Borthwich-Jackson; Brown, Jenks, King, Harmon, Dhanda; Murray, White

Livingston possible starting lineup:

McGovern; Nottingham, Donnellan, Obileye, Brandon; Holt, Pittman, MacKay; Nouble, Yengi, Kelly

We say: Ross County 0-2 Livingston

Both teams desperately need three points this weekend in their bid to try and avoid relegation, and because of how much is on the line it promises to be a tight match.

However, Livingston come into this game in much stronger form despite being lower in the table, and this could be the match where they lift off the foot of the table.

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