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

The visitors might sit fifth in the table, but they are without a win in their previous four matches.

Match preview

St Johnstone have had a season to forget so far, failing to pick up any victories in their opening eight matches which is something they are desperate to change.

The Saints have managed to pick up four points throughout the campaign, and that leaves them in a position where not only could a victory lift them off the foot of the table, but they could climb as high as ninth depending on other results.

Steven MacLean's men do head into this game on the back of consecutive draws, showcasing the fighting spirit that is within the team right now.

While no team has conceded more goals at home this season than the Saints, the team proved their defensive capabilities during their previous match which was a goalless draw against Aberdeen.

Now the focus for St Johnstone is adding some goals to that mix, especially since they have only scored three times in eight games, which is a clear area for improvement.

That will be a tricky test for the Saints considering the fact that only three teams have conceded fewer goals in the entire division than Motherwell.

That defensive record is something that the Steelmen will want to showcase this weekend following four consecutive matches without a victory in the league.

However, a big focus for Stuart Kettlewell will be on pushing his team to find the back of the net considering the fact they have failed to score a goal in three of those recent defeats.

The lack of goals has ultimately stopped them from picking up any points which has led to Motherwell slipping down the table into fifth place, and they are now only three points above the relegation zone.

At the same time, a victory has the potential of pushing the Steelmen above Hearts into fourth, highlighting how close the Scottish Premiership table is at the moment.

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

D

D

L

L

D

D

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

L

L

L

L

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Team News

Liam Gordon could return to the St Johnstone starting lineup following his suspension, strengthening the defensive options that the hosts have.

Daniel Phillips was dropped from the matchday squad during their last outing as Matt Smith was brought into the team, and after a positive result that is something that could continue.

The visitors have been dealing with injury problems as of late as Calum Butcher, Mika Biereth and Jon Obika have all been out of action as of late.

The Steelmen will also be without Lennon Miller this weekend after he was sent off during Motherwell's defeat against Livingston, which will force a change to the midfield.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Mitov; Gordon, Considine, Robinson; Wright, Smith, Sprangler, Carey; Kucheryavyi; Costelloe, Jephcott

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; Casey, Mugabi, McGinley; O'Donnell, Paton, Slattery, Zdravkovski, Spencer; Shaw, Bair

We say: St Johnstone 1-1 Motherwell

Motherwell will head into this match as the clear favourites due to their league position, but this is likely going to be a much closer game than people anticipate.

The poor form of the visitors coming up against the improved performances of the hosts lately could see them play out a draw here.

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