ST JOHNSTONE and Ross County clash in a relegation play-off showdown in a huge clash in Perth on Wednesday in the penultimate game of the season.
The Dingwall side are ahead by two points and will officially clinch safety if they win at McDiarmid Park and condemn Saints to a play-off against either Raith Rovers or Partick Thistle to maintain their Premiership place.
Both sides lost at the weekend in different circumstances. St Johnstone must have been kicking themselves they somehow crashed to a 2-1 defeat at relegated Livingston despite 25 shots on goal and dominating the first half before losing to two late sucker punches. It was actually a travesty.
And Ross County's recent excellent home record came to a shuddering end with a shock 5-1 hammering in the Highlands to Motherwell, despite recently defeating Rangers, Hearts and Hibs up north.
So it's a huge match for both sides going into Sunday's final game showdown – with County at home to Aberdeen and Saints at Motherwell.
How the bookies view it: Saints edge it
Home advantage means St Johnstone are narrow favourites here at 7/5. Ross County are 2/1 outsiders and the draw is 11/5.
Recent head to heads: Perth men better this season
There have been three meetings between the sides this season and after County won the first of them, 2-0 in Dingwall back in August, Saints edged a pair of 1-0 wins home and away since then.
Saints have won just two of their last nine meetings with the Staggies at McDiarmid Park.
Players to watch: Murray in terrific form
Nicky Clark missed an injury time sitter for Saints on Saturday and then to confound matters, Livingston went up the park and won it. The former Rangers striker will be desperate to make amends and is 12/5 to score anytime with bet365.
If Ross County stay up, they should build a statue of Simon Murray, He has now netted 20 goals for the season including six in his last seven games. He is 3/1 to score anytime with bet365.
Probable line-ups:
Tony Gallacher is a doubt and Luke Robinson and Sven Sprangler are out for Saints.
Scott Allardice, Max Sheaf and Dylan Smith remain out for Ross County
ST JOHNSTONE: Mitov, Wright, McGowan, Gordon, Keltjens, MacPherson, Phillips, Carey, Clark, May, Sidibeh.
ROSS COUNTY: Laidlaw, Randall, Baldwin, Dhanda, Murray, King, Efete, Brophy, Nightingale, Leak, Reid.
Anything else catch the eye? Saints can dump Staggies
This is a tricky one to call in what will be a tense encounter, but Saints can edge this with County poor travellers having lost their last seven away games in a row.
St Johnstone were actually excellent on Saturday and produced probably their best display of the season. Livingston keeper Shamal George was in inspired form against them, although they were wasteful.
If they took half of their chances they would have scored five goals, They have surely learned their lesson and should be backed to score at least two at 11/8 with bet365.
For County, defensive alarm bells must be ringing after that hammering from Motherwell although they always have a chance with Simon Murray in the team.
This Scottish Premiership match between St Johnstone and Ross County will be played on May 15, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best St Johnstone vs Ross County prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
