Dundee will continue their fight for survival in the Scottish Premiership when they take on already-relegated St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints’ relegation was confirmed after their recent 2-1 defeat to Hearts, while the Dee would ensure their safety if they take all three points on Sunday.
Match preview
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St Johnstone’s 16-year stay in the Scottish Premiership came to an end midweek, as a 2-1 defeat to Hearts, coupled with Ross County’s 1-1 draw with Dundee, sealed their relegation.
The Saints sit bottom of the league with 32 points from 37 outings – nine wins, five draws and 23 defeats – leaving them four points behind 11th-placed Ross County and six behind 10th-placed Dundee.
While Simo Valakari, appointed after Craig Levein‘s dismissal and Andy Kirk‘s brief interim spell, could not guide the Saints to safety, the Finnish boss has been backed by the board to lead them into the Championship.
Though their relegation is confirmed, Valakari will aim to end the season with a positive victory, offering the Saints a foundation to build upon as they target an immediate return to the top flight next term.
However, St Johnstone will face a Dundee side desperately seeking all three points, determined to achieve what the Saints could not – secure their top-flight status for another year.
Dundee, having finished sixth in the Scottish Premiership last campaign, disappointingly entered the post-split season placed 11th in the table with 34 points – from nine wins, seven draws and 17 defeats – a point behind 10th-placed Ross County and ninth-placed Kilmarnock.
With four points from their four post-split fixtures, after one win and one draw, the Dark Blue have climbed to 10th in the standings and lead relegation-playoff-placed Ross County by two points with one game still to play.
Tony Docherty‘s side appeared certain to confirm their survival as they led the Staggies 1-0 with just minutes remaining during their midweek clash, but a 96th-minute Ronan Hale equaliser has left everything to be decided on the final day.
While a point may suffice if Ross County are unable to overcome the current six-goal difference, securing all three points would guarantee their safety, motivating Docherty’s men to push for the win.
Team News
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St Johnstone are set to remain without Bozo Mikulic, Drey Wright, Sam McClelland and Zach Mitchell for the final match of the season due to ongoing injury issues.
Despite losing 2-1 to Hearts last time out, Graham Carey and Sven Sprangler both impressed from the bench and could be introduced to the starting 11 on Sunday.
As for Dundee, Ethan Ingram and Jordan McGhee are unable to play due to ongoing injury issues, while Joe Shaughnessy, Lyall Cameron and Sebastian Palmer-Houlden are doubts after coming off with injuries in their last match.
In their potential absence, Billy Koumetio could partner Clark Robertson in central defence, with Mohammad Sylla and Scott Tiffoney introduced higher up the pitch.
St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Fisher; Sprangler, Balodis, Douglas, Steven; Carey, Holt, Watt, Duke-McKenna; Kirk, McPake
Dundee possible starting lineup:
Carson; Astley, Koumetio, Robertson, Larkeche; Mulligan, Portales, Sylla; Tiffoney, Murray, Adewumi
We say: St Johnstone 1-2 Dundee
With St Johnstone’s relegation already confirmed and nothing at stake, while Dundee still battle for survival, the visitors are expected to be far more motivated and ultimately claim all three points to secure safety.
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