MATCH OVERVIEW
St. Johnstone and Ross County are set to clash in a pivotal Scottish Premiership match that holds significant implications for both teams. With the season nearing its end, every point is crucial, and this fixture could determine their final positions in the league table. The match will be held at McDiarmid Park, providing St. Johnstone with the home advantage as they aim to capitalize on their familiar surroundings.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The average odds for this match suggest a competitive encounter, with St. Johnstone slightly favored at 2.07, while Ross County stands at 3.39, and the draw at 3.29. These odds translate to probabilities of approximately 48.3% for a St. Johnstone win, 29.5% for a draw, and 22.2% for a Ross County victory. The odds indicate a tight match, with St. Johnstone having a slight edge due to their home advantage.
TEAM ANALYSIS
St. Johnstone
St. Johnstone has had a mixed season, with an average of 1 goal per match and a possession rate of 53.58%. Their offensive play is characterized by 9.34 shots per game, with 3.11 on target. Defensively, they concede 1.79 goals per match, highlighting a need for improvement at the back. Their ability to maintain possession and create chances will be key in this fixture.
Ross County
Ross County, on the other hand, averages 0.97 goals per match and a lower possession rate of 41.42%. They have shown resilience in defense, conceding 1.71 goals per game. Their strength lies in their duels, with a higher success rate compared to St. Johnstone. Ross County will need to leverage their defensive capabilities and counter-attacking prowess to challenge their hosts.
Head-to-Head
Historically, matches between these two teams have been closely contested, with neither side dominating the other. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming fixture, as both teams will be eager to assert their dominance.
KEY PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT
St. Johnstone
- Makenzie Kirk: With 8 goals this season, Kirk is a key figure in St. Johnstone's attack.
- Nicky Clark: Another vital player, contributing 6 goals.
Ross County
- Ronan Hale: Leading the scoring charts for Ross County with 12 goals.
- Jordan White: A consistent performer with 6 goals.
The battle between Kirk and Hale will be one to watch, as both players look to make a decisive impact.
STATISTICAL DEEP DIVE
Offensive Metrics
- St. Johnstone: 1.05 expected goals per match, indicating potential for scoring.
- Ross County: Similar expected goals at 1.05, but with a lower conversion rate.
Defensive Metrics
- St. Johnstone: 1.5 expected goals against, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
- Ross County: Slightly higher at 1.81, but with better interception rates.
Possession and Passing
- St. Johnstone: Higher possession and successful passes, crucial for controlling the game.
- Ross County: Lower possession but effective in duels and clearances.
PREDICTION AND CONCLUSION
Based on the data, St. Johnstone's home advantage and slightly better offensive metrics give them a slight edge. However, Ross County's defensive resilience and ability to perform in duels could make this a challenging match.
Final Score Prediction
- St. Johnstone 2-1 Ross County
Potential Match-Winning Factors
- St. Johnstone's ability to maintain possession and create chances.
- Ross County's defensive strength and counter-attacking opportunities.
In conclusion, while St. Johnstone is favored to win, Ross County's tenacity could lead to a closely fought contest.