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

Ross County currently sit just above the relegation zone, opening up a crucial six-pointer between two of the league's struggling teams.

Match preview

After securing their first victory of the season against Kilmarnock, St Johnstone were able to follow up with another positive result in midweek against Motherwell.

While the Saints failed to secure another three points, they did pick up a draw even though they let a two-goal lead slip throughout the game.

Goals from Nicky Clark and Andrew Considine gave Craig Levein's the perfect start, but the defensive issues the team have dealt with all season became clear in the second half.

Letting the lead slip ensured that St Johnstone would remain bottom of the league heading into this weekend, but with just two points between them and safety, there is a lot to play for this weekend.

Considering it is Ross County themselves that sit just above the relegation zone, the club will be desperate to continue their recent form to keep pushing them out of their current situation.

The visitors have also been struggling at the back, as no team in the Scottish Premiership has conceded more than them this season, an issue that they need to address.

Ross County let in three goals during their most recent outing against Celtic in a game that also saw the Staggies finish with 10 men, making the situation even tougher.

The defeat marked the eighth match in a row across all competitions where Malky Mackay's men have failed to pick up a victory, continuing their difficult run of form.

The Staggies have been slightly stronger on the road in the Scottish Premiership though, only losing two of their five matches to this point.

However, Ross County have become draw specialists in away matches, having shared points three times now which is something that they need to start changing in order to progress up the table.

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

L

D

D

L

W

D

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

D

D

D

L

Ross County form (all competitions):

L

L

D

D

D

L

Advert - content below:

Team News

Steve May continues to be a vital squad player for St Johnstone at the moment, and his experience might be tapped into from the first whistle this time around.

Meanwhile, Clark will be expected to retain his place in attack as he continues to try and continue his run of form in front of goal.

James Brown will be missing for Ross County this weekend as his suspension begins following his recent red card which will force at least one change to the starting lineup from the loss against Celtic.

Josh Reid and Ben Paton are expected to return from injury in the near future, but it remains to be seen if they will be in contention this time around.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Mitov; McGowan, Gordon, Considine, Robinson; May, Sprangler, Smith, Carey; Clark, Kane

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Nightingale, Baldwin, Leak, Purrington; Loturi, Randall, Allardice, Turner; Brophy, Murray

We say: St Johnstone 2-1 Ross County

Both of these teams have a lack of confidence due to the tough start they have made to their individual campaigns, however, both will see this as a match to change those fortunes.

However, it is St Johnstone who are in slightly stronger form as of late, and that could lead to them taking all three points.

Previews by email