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

It is a crucial match within the SPL relegation battle on Saturday as St Johnstone host bottom-placed Ross County in what is a crucial game for both teams.

Only three points separate the two at the moment, which could provide the Staggies with a chance to climb above them as they attempt to get out of their situation.

Match preview

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St Johnstone were handed a 1-0 defeat by Dundee in midweek which allowed the Dark Blues to get themselves out of the relegation zone, placing the Saints under increasing pressure.

It marked the fourth match in a row where the team failed to earn a victory, which is the reason they now find themselves in this position.

Callum Davidson's squad did not win a single game throughout the month of November, which is a period of time everybody associated with the club will be keen to forget.

However, the last time they faced Ross County it did not result in three points either as the two teams battled it out to a goalless draw on the opening day of the campaign.

Across the past six performances, the Saints have struggled for goals, only finding the back of the net three times and never scoring more than once in a game, which they will need to begin improving upon.

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The Staggies might be sat at the foot of the table right now, but they have only lost once in their previous five matches and they head into Saturday on the back of three consecutive games without a loss.

These performances have put Ross County right back in the mix when it comes to surviving, with a victory at the weekend having the potential to take them out of the relegation zone.

They have made improvements defensively by keeping two clean sheets in the past three matches and considering St Johnstone's poor form offensively, they will be confident of continuing that run.

It would be down to goal difference if Ross County were able to overtake the Saints with a win, which showcases the importance of that aspect of the relegation battle.

However, with the belief within the squad, this promises to be a close game in what is a true six-pointer for both teams.

Team News

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Glenn Middleton has been back in training despite the fact he was initially supposed to be out until Christmas, which means he could be an option on Saturday, likely from the bench as he eases his way back into action.

However, while he could be back at the weekend, that will not be the case for David Wotherspoon as his knee issue has been confirmed to be a lengthy problem.

With the impressive performances as of late Ross County could end up keeping the same starting XI in order to build some momentum for the squad.

Their 4-2-3-1 formation is something that has worked well as of late, with Dominic Samuel spearheading the attack which is likely going to continue in this match.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Clark; Rooney, Gordon, McCart; Booth, Davidson, MacPherson, Crawford; Vertainen, O'Halloran; Kane

Ross County possible starting lineup:
Maynard-Brewer; Vokins, Lacovitti, Baldwin, Randall; Paton, Cancola; Spittal, Callachan, Hungbo; Samuel

We say: St Johnstone 0-1 Ross County

Both teams desperately need three points in this match, with a draw not being beneficial to either of them, but that could set things up to be quite close and cagey.

However, with the form that they are enjoying as of late Ross County should be able to just squeeze through to earn three points, especially with their improved defensive performances lately.

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