SERIOUS alarm bells are ringing for St Johnstone after they were plunged into the relegation play-off spot last weekend and they really need three points from a trip to face relegated Livingston this week.
Craig Levein's side have been sending out distress signals for weeks, but their defeat at Aberdeen last weekend, coupled with Ross County's win against Hibs. means they are now two points behind the Highland team with just three games to go, including a huge midweek clash in Perth between them next week.
Five defeats out of six tells its own story and they must be hoping Livingston don't put up too much of a fight after their relegation was confirmed last week at Motherwell.
David Martindale's side can hardly complain after just four league wins all season, but they were extremely harshly dealt with at the weekend after a dubious penalty and a disallowed goal going against them. They now have three meaningless games to go in the top flight.
How the bookies view it: Saints narrow favourites
St Johnstone perhaps surprisingly only edge favouritism here given their need for points and Livingston's confirmed relegation.
Saints are 7/4 with UniBet and Livi are 9/5 with bet365. The draw is 11/5 with McBookie.com.
Previous head to heads: Tight all season
St Johnstone's failure to beat doomed Livingston in their three previous meetings this season – which have all finished as a draw – is part of the reason for the mess they are in. Saints haven't won on their last four meetings to West Lothian either.
Players to watch: Sidibeh needs to step up
Adama Sidibeh made himself something of a Saints hero when he netted in consecutive games against Hibs and Dundee a month ago but hasn't scored since. The Perth club could really do with a goal. He is 13/5 to score anytime with bet365.
Stephen Kelly will surely stay in the Premiership with a new club in the summer as the midfielder has been one of Livingston's few bright spots this season and recently netted a double at Hearts. He is 11/2 to net also with bet365.
Probable line-ups:
Livingston have been ravaged with injury all season, but ironically have a full squad now when it doesn't matter. Saints could welcome back full back Luke Robinson into the squad.
Livingston: George, Brandon, Devlin, Obileye, Nottingham, MacKay, Sean Kelly, Holt, Stephen Kelly, Pittman, Anderson
St Johnstone Mitov, Considine, McGowan, Gordon, Clark, Carey, Wright, M Smith, Kimpioka, Phillips, C Smith
Anything else catch the eye? Livi could frustrate Saints
St Johnstone look in a bad way and even though they are desperate for the win, there's nothing in the team that suggests they will get it.
There have been three draws between the sides this season and this could be a fourth. Livingston could be dangerous opponents here with the pressure off and Saints have a poor record on the artificial surface.
St Johnstone have kept one clean sheet in their last 12 games and Livingston – who could and should have scored a few on Saturday at Motherwell – can score at least two here and go out with a bang. Back the host to score over 1.5 goals at 19/10 with McBookie.com.
This Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and St Johnstone will be played on May 11, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Livingston vs St Johnstone prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
