Preview: Ross County vs. Livingston - prediction, team news, lineups

Two of the struggling teams within the Scottish Premiership will face each other on Saturday as Ross County host Livingston at Victoria Park.

The hosts have not won a single game this season; meanwhile, the visitors are just a point above the relegation zone, making this a true six-pointer.

Match preview

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Ross County have struggled so far this season, which has led to them being at the foot of the table as they are the only club in the Scottish Premiership without a win in the opening nine games.

The Staggies have leaked in 19 goals throughout the campaign, which is more than any other team and that has been a big part of the problem for them.

While they have managed to secure three draws to get some points on the board, the need for a victory is clear with Dundee getting their first last weekend.

Despite the poor form, Ross County have only been beaten by a single goal in their previous three matches, showcasing the fact that they are fighting within every game.

Their most recent outing resulted in a 3-2 loss to St Mirren, with Malky Mackay's team being unable to secure the win, even though they had 20 shots throughout the match.

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Livingston might be two places ahead of the Staggies in the table, but they have also been struggling, with only four points separating the two clubs at the moment, making this a crucial game for both.

However, the Lions ended a three-match losing streak when they returned after the international break at the weekend, and they did so in style with a 3-0 win against St Johnstone.

A goal in the third minute from Odin Bailey set the tone for the day, with Bruce Anderson and Scott Pittman following that up to round out an important victory for the club.

Livingston are a long way off their performances from last season, though, where they only missed out on a Europa League third-round qualifying spot by goal difference.

However, across their four meetings throughout the 2020-21 campaign, the Lions were able to win three and draw the other, which should provide some belief for Saturday's fixture.

Team News

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Both Ben Paton and Jordan White impressed from the bench in Ross County's recent defeat against St Mirren, and those performances could have done enough to put them in contention for the weekend.

Blair Spittal got himself on the scoresheet in that fixture and he should continue to provide options offensively for the Staggies on Saturday.

Livingston were able to welcome back several players to the matchday squad against St Johnstone, including Pittman, who got himself on the scoresheet.

Craig Sibbald was also brought back in, as he came on from the bench to get some minutes under his belt, while Jaze Kabia was an unused substitute.

Ross County possible starting lineup:
Maynard-Brewer; Clarke, Baldwin, Lacovitti, Burroughs; Cancola, Paton, Callachan; Spittal, Samuel, Charles-Cook

Livingston possible starting lineup:
Stryjek; Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Penrice; Omeonga, Holt; Pittman, Montano, Bailey; Anderson

We say: Ross County 0-2 Livingston

This is a crucial game for both teams due to the impact it could have on the relegation battle, but Livingston should have enough quality to see them through.

Ross County have been poor defensively, which the visitors will look to exploit and the fact they have been unable to win a single match is something that will have knocked the hosts' confidence.