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

The visitors sit just four points above the relegation zone at the moment, while the hosts head into this game after four games in a row without a defeat.

Match preview

St Johnstone have been in rich form as of late, with one draw and three victories in their four most recent outings, bringing plenty of confidence into the squad.

Their most recent fixture saw them share the spoils with St Mirren, but it was ultimately a performance to be proud of as they came from behind in a 2-2 draw.

Even though St Johnstone had 10 men due to Alex Mitchell being sent off, a 96th-minute equaliser from Nicky Clark showed their ability to fight until the end in every game.

Right now the Saints find themselves in mid-table as they sit sixth in the league, but a victory could lead to them moving up to third place depending on other results.

Having the chance to cement their place in the top half before the World Cup break is something that St Johnstone will be hoping to take on Saturday.

The visitors cannot climb any higher than their current ninth position no matter what the result is this weekend, but the club will be wanting to close the gap on those above them.

Motherwell will also have one eye on those below them, especially since they are only four points above the relegation zone right now.

However, away from home the Steelmen have been far more impressive as they have picked up four of their five wins this season on the road.

Motherwell have showcased that they can play with more freedom when they are not in front of their own fans, and that could lead to them causing problems this weekend for their opponents.

The Steelmen have lost their previous two matches in the league, but both of those games were only decided by a single goal, proving that they have plenty of fighting spirit.

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

W

W

W

D

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

L

W

L

L

Motherwell form (all competitions):

L

L

L

W

L

L

Team News

Callum Davidson will have to make at least one change to the team that started last weekend due to Mitchell's red card, meaning there will be a different defensive setup this time around.

Neither Callum Booth or Murray Davidson have been featured in the last couple of games for St Johnstone due to injury, and that is something that could continue this weekend.

Kevin van Veen is likely going to lead the line for the visitors at the weekend, as his experience is going to prove vital for Motherwell this season.

This is due to the fact that Joseph Efford has been ruled out of action until 2023 because of injury, which is going to open the door for other attacking options.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Parish; McGowan, Gallacher, Considine; Brown, Hallberg, Wotherspoon, Montgomery; Carey, May; Clark

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; McGinn, Solholm Johansen, Lamie, Penney; Slattery, Goss; Spittal, Shields, McKinstry; Van Veen

We say: St Johnstone 2-0 Motherwell

Both teams will be wanting to pick up three points in this game due to how long the break is before they will be playing again after the World Cup.

While the visitors have showcased more confidence when they are away from home, St Johnstone have been far more consistent lately and should be able to secure another win here.

Previews by email