MATCH PREVIEW: KILMARNOCK VERSUS SAINTS
26th July 2016
St. Johnstone have enjoyed numerous recent successes in matches against their Tayside rivals Dundee United. Bearing this in mind, victory against the Arabs would have been a fitting way to confirm our place in the Scottish Premiership's top six. However, Mixu Paatelainen's struggling side returned to the City of Discovery with a hard-earned three points. As we all know by now, Saints rarely do things the easy way!
As we approach the final weekend of the pre-split schedule, a remarkable number of teams (including ourselves) are still unaware of their fate. The events of tomorrow afternoon will finally eliminate all doubt. With a 3pm kick-off, St. Johnstone travel to Kilmarnock for an all-important league encounter.
Dundee United won 1-0 in last Saturday's Tayside Derby. The only goal of the match was an unfortunate one to concede. A weak Ryan Dow effort shouldn't have beaten Alan Mannus in the Saints goal, but the reliable shot-stopper made an uncharacteristic blunder. Having said that, the final scoreline was no less than our visitors deserved. United are currently battling for their top-tier survival. Their performance certainly suggested that they won't give up on their Premiership status without a fight. They looked more hungry and alert than Saints, and they exerted overt physical dominance throughout the duration of the match.
As far as St. Johnstone are concerned, Dundee United's current situation – and subsequently, their increased desire to win - can't be used as an excuse for our failure to take anything from the game. After all, we also have plenty to fight for. A positive result could have confirmed Saints' top six status. Tomorrow afternoon, Tommy Wright's men have the opportunity to make amends by ensuring they don't slip down into the bottom half of the league table.
A Kilmarnock victory would remove St. Johnstone from the top six if Partick Thistle and Dundee both win their respective matches. Ross County could also draw level on points with St. Johnstone, but they have a significantly inferior 'goal difference'. It may be an improbability to suggest that they could overtake Saints, but it is obviously not an impossible scenario. If St. Johnstone draw, they will finish in the top six if any of the following situations occur: Motherwell lose to Celtic, Dundee fail to beat Hamilton Academical or Partick Thistle fail to beat Ross County. Partick would also need to record a heavy win against the Dingwall side. Otherwise, St. Johnstone could just beat Kilmarnock. That would probably be the simplest option! These headache-inducing scenarios are irrelevant if Saints simply record a win. This would confirm a top six place.
However, this is easier said than done! Kilmarnock, like Dundee United, are currently struggling at the wrong end of the table. They will be desperate for a victory in tomorrow's encounter. Lee Clark's team are currently sitting in the relegation play-off position, only five points ahead of rock-bottom United. A win could potentially move them to within one point of 10th-placed Hamilton Academical.
Killie's recent form is underwhelming. They have won two of their last ten Premiership fixtures and they have failed to win in their last six top-tier matches. St. Johnstone possess a favourable head-to-head record against Kilmarnock. They have won five of the previous ten meetings between the sides. There have been two draws and three Killie wins. Somewhat ominously, two of these Kilmarnock victories have taken place during the current season. In the most recent meeting at Rugby Park, Killie won 2-1. In the latest encounter at McDiarmid Park, a Craig Slater goal eliminated St. Johnstone from the Scottish Cup.
Tommy Wright has confirmed that Steven MacLean won't be risked on the artificial surface at Rugby Park. After fracturing his collarbone in last weekend's league match, Craig Thomson won't be available. Murray Davidson will also miss out through injury. Dave Mackay remains a long-term absentee. A familiar face will line up for our opposition. Following a short period of training at St. Johnstone, it was mutually agreed that Julien Faubert would search for a concrete offer elsewhere. Shortly after this, he signed a contract with Kilmarnock until the end of the season.
For those of you planning to travel by train, be aware that delays are expected due to a tunnel closure at Glasgow Queen Street. The supporters' bus is now sold out. A healthy travelling support is expected at Rugby Park tomorrow. Be a part of it! It's a huge day for St. Johnstone as they aim to secure their top six place.
Come on ye Saints!
match preview by Ollie Wale
Admission information:
Saints fans travelling to Kilmarnock on Saturday can gain admission to Rugby Park through gates 1 and 2 in the Frank Beattie Stand.
£20 Adult £15 Concessions (over 65s and students) £5 Children (under 16s)