ST JOHNSTONE have a do-or-die match on Sunday at Fir Park against Motherwell as they attempt to try and save their Premiership skins in the final game of the season.
The Perth side are two points behind Ross County but have a better goal difference. They need to win and hope County don't beat Aberdeen or only draw with them. But they must win or get sucked into a relegation play-off against the winners of Friday's tie between Championship sides Partick Thistle and Raith Rovers.
They came within a minute or so of being officially condemned to the play-off against County on Wednesday night but an injury time leveller secured a 1-1 draw and ensured it will go down to a nervy finale in Lanarkshire.
The fact, that it's not in their hands isn't ideal and Craig Levein's side know that only three points will do them…but they've only managed one win in their last nine games.
They face a Motherwell side who have nothing really to play for apart from pride, but who had been in excellent form until they lost 3-0 to Hibs in midweek.
Up until then, they had only lost twice in their past nine games – both to Aberdeen.
How the bookies view it: Well backed
Motherwell and Ross County were locked together at the start of the week, but money has come for the hosts who are 5/4 favourites with the Saints 7/4, with the draw 12/5 with bet365.
Recent head to heads: Nothing between them
The sides have drawn all three games this season, with a pair of 1-1 draws and a 2-2.
Saints are unbeaten in their last three visits to Lanarkshire.
Players to watch: Bair attack
Theo Bair scored one goal for St Johnstone in 38 appearances. He went to Motherwell this summer and has been a revelation with 15 goals in 30 league starts. He will be up for proving a point and is 21/10 to score anytime with bet365.
Adam Sidibeh was Saints' hero in midweek with that late, late leveller. He's raw, but knows the way to goal and is 13/5 to score anytime with bet365.
Probable line-ups
Motherwell will be without the injured pair of Callum Slattery and Adam Montgomery. Saints could be without Luke Robinson, Tony Gallacher and Sven Sprangler
Motherwell: Kelly, O'Donnell, McGinn, Casey, Blaney, Gent, Miller, Halliday, Spittal, Vale, Bair.
St Johnstone: Mitov, Wright, McGowan, Gordon, Keltjens, Phillips, MacPherson, Carey, Sidibeh, Clark, May.
Anything else catch the eye?
St Johnstone's need is obviously far greater than the hosts' end-of-season kickabout, who are managed by former Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell intriguingly.
But Motherwell are a tough nut to crack and Saints may have to settle for a draw which won't be good enough for them.
Saints simply don't score enough goals and it's not as if they haven't created chances in their past couple of games. They've only managed to score two goals or more in their last ten games.
Well can get the point here that breaks Saints hearts and don't be surprised if former St Johnstone flop Bair scores here with the born-again Canadian in good form.
This Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and St Johnstone will be played on May 19, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Motherwell vs St Johnstone prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
