Preview: Livingston vs. St Mirren - prediction, team news, lineups

After two defeats in a row to kickstart their Scottish Premiership campaign, Livingston will host St Mirren on Saturday in the second round of the Scottish League Cup in what is a rematch from the semi-final last year.

The visitors will also be looking for their first victory since the group stage of the competition, having picked up a draw and a defeat to begin their season.

Match preview

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Livingston managed three victories and a defeat during the group stage of the competition, which saw them score six goals in the process to earn their place in this stage.

Despite their impressive work in the cup, things have not gone as smoothly in the Scottish Premiership as David Martindale's squad currently find themselves bottom of the league after the first two games.

Defeats to Rangers and Aberdeen have led to a tough start for Livingston, conceding five times already while only finding the back of the net once in those games.

The Lions thrived in the Scottish League Cup last season, going all the way to the final where they ultimately fell short against St Johnstone, but prior to that, the club did not let in a goal in the knockout stage of the competition.

Livingston actually met St Mirren in the semi-final last season and they will be hoping history repeats itself as Scott Robinson's goal was enough to earn the 1-0 victory on the day.

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However, this time the game will not be taking place at Hampden Park as Livingston welcome the Buddies to the Tony Macaroni Arena and it was St Mirren who ruled the day last time they competed in that stadium, with a 1-0 win.

There was not much to separate the two teams in the league last season, with each club finishing up on 45 points and it is Jim Goodwin's side that has started the new campaign the stronger of the two, having already picked up a point on the opening day.

A thrilling 2-2 draw away at Dundee kicked off their season and there was an equally frantic fixture against Hearts in their last outing, coming up short in a 2-1 defeat which saw Kristen Dennis receive a red card late in the game.

Joe Shaughnessy has been the surprise danger man for St Mirren so far, with the defender having scored in both league fixtures, while also finding the back of the net in the group stage of the Scottish League Cup.

The Buddies were dominant in the first section of the competition, winning all four games where they only conceded a single goal, although their fixture against Dumbarton did not actually happen due to coronavirus and Goodwin's team were awarded a 3-0 win.

Team News

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After getting on the scoresheet against Aberdeen, Bruce Anderson will once again look to lead the line for the Lions and continue his strong start to the new season.

However, Martindale is without several key players with both Jack McMillan and Jaze Kabia unavailable with knee injuries that will see them miss around eight weeks of action.

Keaghan Jacobs is also still on the sidelines due to his lengthy foot injury, while Tom Parkes continues his journey back to being fully fit and could feature from the bench.

It is not all bad news for Livingston though as Jackson Longridge was able to return from his foot injury against Aberdeen, while player-assistant manager Marvin Bartley will be available for the first time after missing two games due to suspension.

For St Mirren, Shaughnessy will likely retain his place at the heart of the defence due to his recent performances, but there could be an opportunity for Conor McCarthy to get some minutes in this fixture.

Two of Goodwin's newest recruits Greg Kiltie and Alan Power have settled into the team since joining from Kilmarnock and they will also look to keep their place in the team this Saturday.

Livingston possible starting lineup:
Stryjek; Devlin, Obileye, Fitzwater, Longridge; Pittman, Holt, Bartley; Sibbald, Anderson, Forrest

St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Alnwick; McCarthy, Fraser, Shaughnessy; Tait, McGrath, Power, Tanser; Kiltie, Main, Brophy

We say: Livingston 1-2 St Mirren

Both teams are looking to pick up a victory after struggling in the league and with the semi-final from last year in the back of their minds, St Mirren will be out for revenge.

The Buddies have put together a slightly stronger start to the campaign and looked impressive during the group stage which could lead to them edging through here in what will likely be a closely contested tie.