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

After suffering consecutive losses before the international break, Livingston will be aiming to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they travel to McDiarmid Park.

St Johnstone will play hosts for this one as they continue to try and fight their way out of the relegation zone, with the squad coming into this one on the back of a victory.

Match preview

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St Johnstone ended the previous run of games in style before the international break, picking up four points from their past two games.

The Saints held Hibernian to a goalless draw before going on to defeat Motherwell 2-1, coming from behind thanks to a brace from Callum Hendry, which included a heroic 91st-minute goal.

The squad have only lost twice in their past six matches, with the club continuing to fight for their survival in the Scottish top flight this season.

That is something that Callum Davidson will want his team to continue doing this weekend, even though Livingston are higher than them in the table.

St Johnstone have won just three of their 16 matches at McDiarmid Park this season, which has been a problem for them, but now is the time to begin turning that around.

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While Livingston might be in the top half of the table at the moment, they have suffered consecutive defeats in their most recent outings, which has allowed other teams to catch them up.

The Lions are hanging onto their sixth place by just a point right now, with things being very close from those between fourth and 10th.

A victory for David Martindale's team could see them strengthen their place in the top six, but a defeat also has the potential of seeing them drop out.

In the previous couple of matches between these teams, the two have traded victories, and each club will be hoping to earn the bragging rights with this third encounter.

However, the focus for Livingston shall simply be on improving upon the 2-0 loss they suffered against Hearts before the international break.

Team News

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After scoring a brace in St Johnstone's most recent outing, Hendry is expected to lead the line once again, with Nadir Ciftci possibly partnering him.

Shaun Rooney returned to the team in that match, and his experience could be called upon once again, while James Brown will continue his attempts to get himself back match fit for this one.

Livingston will be hoping that Bruce Anderson is fit enough to start this game, as he heads into this one as a doubt.

Jason Holt and Scott Pittman should retain their places in the middle of the park on Saturday, providing a balance for attack and defence.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Clark; Gordon, McCart, Cleary; Davidson, Rooney, Gallacher, Hallberg, Crawford; Ciftci, Hendry

Livingston possible starting lineup:

Stryjek; Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Penrice; Holt, Pittman; Omeonga, Bailey, Forrest; Nouble

We say: St Johnstone 1-1 Livingston

St Johnstone go into the match as the underdogs due to their league position, but they have been in good form overall as of late, and that should lead to them having the confidence to try and cause an upset.

Livingston have got plenty to play for in their own right as they hope to secure a place in the top half, but this game could result in them sharing the points.