ST JOHNSTONE got off to a dreadful start to their Premier Sports Cup campaign when they could only draw 0-0 at home to Annan Athletic in midweek.
And they managed to get two players sent off and lost the penalty shootout to League Two side Annan Athletic to lose their bonus point.
It means Callum Davidson's side are already playing catch-up when they visit Queen of the South on Saturday and they daren't leave Dumfries with nothing.
Saints have opted to bring in experience this summer, but Davidson was far from happy at their sluggish start.
They face a South side who chalked up an impressive 3-0 win at Ayr United in midweek, after losing their opening game to Annan at home.
The Doonhamers' big problem last season in the Championship was playing at their Palmerston Park home – they managed to win just four of their 18 home games.
And if the Perth Saints want to be in with a chance of repeating their League Cup success of two seasons ago, then they cannot afford any slip-ups or they could easily go out in the group stages, which would be an embarrassment.
How the bookies view it
St Johnstone are clear favourites at a shade of under odds-on and you can get 20/23 with BetVictor.
Queen of the South can be backed at 13/5 with Boylesports and the draw is 3/1 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The clubs last met four years ago in the same competition in Dumfries and Saints ran out 4-2 winners. They haven't been in the same league for 14 years.
Here's the action from Queen of the South's impressive 3-0 win at Ayr United in midweek.
Players to watch
Lee Connelly netted seven league goals for relegated QOS last season and got off the mark in midweek at Somerset Park for Wullie Gibson's side.
St Johnstone have high hopes for young Ukrainian attacking midfielder Max Kucheriavyi. He netted the goal that won Kelty Hearts the title last season while in Fife on loan and the 21-year-old doesn't lack confidence.
Anything else catch the eye?
St Johnstone cannot afford to lose this and should have heeded the angry words of their manager enough to provoke a reaction and get the job done against a club two leagues beneath them.
Despite that midweek goalless draw, Saints did have to play over an hour with ten men then lost another man late on.
Queen of the South have already scored five goals in their two matches this season and will have a go here for sure. That makes the away win with both teams to score attractive at 23/10 with McBookie.com.
This Scottish League Cup match between Queen of the South and St Johnstone will be played on Jul 16, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Queen of the South vs St Johnstone prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
