Preview: St Johnstone vs Motherwell - prediction, team news, lineups

St Johnstone will host Motherwell in the on Saturday at McDiarmid Park, as two teams with similar form seek progress in the Scottish League Cup.

Both sides enter the tie unbeaten in recent games, with the hosts enjoying a strong home record and the visitors showing resilience on the road.

Match preview

St Johnstone head into Saturday’s League Cup clash brimming with confidence after a superb run of results in the competition.

They have won four straight League Cup matches, and in each of their last four home ties in the competition, they have secured victory by at least a two-goal margin.

Their attacking consistency has also been evident, having scored in each of their last seven games, making McDiarmid Park a difficult place for any visitor.

This strong form is not limited to the cup, as St Johnstone are undefeated in their last six matches across all competitions and have won their previous five outright.

Their home record has been imposing, going three matches unbeaten in front of their fans. Manager Simo Valakari will be eager to maintain that momentum, knowing that a victory here would keep their silverware hopes very much alive.

Historically, St Johnstone have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, as in the last six meetings between the sides, they have come out on top four times, with Motherwell winning the other two.

Motherwell, meanwhile, arrive at McDiarmid Park with an undefeated run of their own to protect. They have drawn their opening two Premiership fixtures and currently sit seventh in the league table.

While they will be looking to secure their first win of the league campaign, their focus will also be on continuing their solid cup form under manager Jens Berthel Askou, who has yet to taste defeat in this year’s competition.

The Steelmen have proven difficult to break down in recent weeks, with under 3.5 goals recorded in each of their last six matches.

This defensive organization has been matched by efficiency in attack, averaging two goals per game in the league so far. It is a balance that could serve them well against a free-scoring St Johnstone side.

Motherwell's away form has also been encouraging, with the visitors unbeaten in their last three matches on the road.

Both teams enter the match unbeaten in several games, which sets the tone for a potentially interesting clash.

St Johnstone Scottish League Cup form:

W W W W

St Johnstone form (all competitions):

D W W W W W

Motherwell Scottish League Cup form:

W W W W

Motherwell form (all competitions):

W W W D D D

Team News

St Johnstone forward Uche Ikpeazu, fresh from finding the net after coming off the bench in the recent victory over Ross County, is set to spearhead Simo Valakari’s attack once again. The powerful striker has become a focal point for the side, using his physicality and hold-up play to bring others into the game.

The home side, however, are dealing with significant defensive setbacks, as centre-back Bozo Mikulic has been ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury, while Sam McClelland is sidelined due to an Achilles tendon problem. Their absence leaves the Perth side short of experience at the back.

Motherwell, meanwhile, will be without forward Zarc Robinson and Jordan McGhee, both nursing injuries. Their unavailability robs Valakari of depth and flexibility in attack and defence.

On the positive side, the Steelmen’s recent transfer activity means fans will get a first proper look at new signings Ibrahim Said, Emmanuel Longelo and Elijah Just, all of whom are expected to start.

Their integration could add a fresh spark to the team’s style and provide a timely boost as the season gathers pace.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Steward; Foulds, Diabate, Baird, Sprangler; McAlear, Holt, Mallan; Sidebeh, Ikpeazu, McPake

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Ward; O’Donnell, Watt, Longelo, Koutroumbis; McGinn, Said; Slattery, Fading, Just; Maswanhise

We say: St Johnstone 2-1 Motherwell

Both teams have had an almost flawless run in the cup so far and have similar records of recent, but St Johnstone, playing at home, will just scrape past Motherwell in a tight contest as this game is expected to be.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.