Ross County will look to move up the Scottish Premiership table on Saturday when they take on St Johnstone at the Global Energy Stadium.
Both sides will look to get back into the swing of things following the World Cup break, where their respective managers have had the chance for some time off to reflect ahead of the second period of the campaign.
Match preview
Ross County have endured some mixed fortunes in 2022-23 and sit 10th in the Premiership ranks with 15 points from 16 games played under Malky Mackay.
The Staggies had started the season in poor fashion, though they have turned a corner recently and find themselves with two wins from their last three matches.
Nevertheless, Ross County have managed to hit the back of the net just 13 times this campaign, which is the second-fewest number of efforts converted in the entire division behind Kilmarnock.
There is no doubt Ross County look to lack some potency in attack, which is further evidenced by the fact their top scorer Jordan White has netted just three times in the league this campaign.
Looking ahead to Saturday, manager Mackay will be hoping for an improvement on this front as he looks to move Ross County further away from danger.
Callum Davidson has enjoyed another steady season at McDiarmid Park, steering St Johnstone to sixth in the Scottish Premiership table on 21 points.
The Saints travel to the Highlands unbeaten in their last five matches, which could put them in the picture to challenge for the European slots if they can maintain their excellent form.
On the road, St Johnstone hold one of the better away records in the league, picking up 10 points from eight matches which is only bettered by Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers.
One key part of their solid start has been versatile forward Stevie May, who has registered three goals and four assists for St Johnstone, alongside being a real handful for Scottish Premiership backlines.
This weekend, St Johnstone could move as high as fourth in the league table with a win if other results in the division fall their way.
Team News
Connor Randall will miss the tie against St Johnstone for the hosts owing to a fractured leg that has kept him out of action since early August.
Alex Samuel is a long-term absentee and will not be available for selection, while Ross Callachan is rated as touch and go for whether he will be involved in the match.
Ben Purrington will be on the sidelines once again at the Global Energy Stadium due to a significant ankle injury.
For the visitors, striker Chris Kane is ruled out of contention owing to cartilage damage in his knee, meaning Nicky Clark will likely spearhead the attack.
Callum Booth is also out with an Achilles problem, while Cammy MacPherson is set to spectate once again due to a hamstring issue.
Max Kucheriavyi is a doubt for the Saints following news that he was taken off injured in a testimonial match earlier this month.
Ross County possible starting lineup:
Laidlaw; Johnson, Watson, Iacovitti, Harmon; Loturi, Cancola; Dhanda, Tillson, Sims; White
St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Matthews; Considine, Gordon, McGowan; Wright, Carey, Hallberg, Montgomery; May, Wotherspoon; Clark
We say: Ross County 1-1 St Johnstone
In a match with much at stake, we expect both sides to create plenty of opportunities as they search for an important victory to help them climb the table.
On this occasion, Ross County and St Johnstone will be inseparable, resulting in a point apiece for both teams.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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