St Johnstone vs Motherwell betting tips: Scottish Premiership preview, predictions and odds

Recommended bets

[RECOMMENDED_BETS]

Motherwell are winless in three visits to Perth but did win when these two last met, a 2-0 victory at Fir Park in December.

Under 2.5 goals is 4/9.

Draw and under 2.5 goals is 5/2. 

Match preview

Motherwell v Rangers – cinch Premiership – Fir Park Motherwell’s Bevis Mugabi (centre) celebrates with his teammates after scoring their side’s first goal of the game during the cinch Premiership match at Fir Park, Motherwell. Picture date: Sunday October 31, 2021. (Photo by Jeff Holmes/PA Images via Getty Images)

Can St Johnstone haul themselves out the relegation places?

Last time out, the Saint held Hibernian to a goalless draw at Easter Road; a decent point in isolation.

This means, since losing eight in a row either side of New Years’ Day, Callum Davidson’s men have taken ten points from nine games.

The Saints are now eight points adrift guaranteed survival so ensuring the finish above Dundee, and get a shot in the play-off, is their best bet now.

Motherwell meanwhile are embroiled in an extremely tight tussle for a top six finish.

The Well are one of six teams on either 37 or 36 points, meaning just one point separates the sides from fourth all the way down to ninth.

Specifically, the Steelmen are eighth as they’ve now failed to win all ten Premiership games in 2022, drawing 1-1 with Dundee a fortnight ago.

Since then, Graham Alexander’s men have been knocked out the Scottish Cup in controversial circumstances.

Last Sunday, Bevis Mugabi was sent off with just 58 seconds on the clock as ten-man Motherwell were beaten 2-1 by Hibs in the quarter-final.

Back in the Premiership, will there be a winner at McDiarmid Park?

St Johnstone team news

St Johnstone v Celtic – Scottish Cup – Quarter Final – McDiarmid Park A general view of the pitch before the Scottish Cup, Quarter Final at McDiarmid Park, Perth. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)

The hosts are still without numerous key players, namely Shaun Rooney, Callum Booth, Craig Bryson, David Wotherspoon and Chris Kane.

Good news is that first-choice goalkeeper Zander Clark is back and what a difference he could make.

At the other end of the park, Callum Hendry could continue to partner Glenn Middleton, chosen over Nadir Çiftçi.

Motherwell team news

Motherwell v East Stirlingshire – BETFRED Cup First Round Group F MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND – JULY 26: Rain Soaked Fir Park in Motherwell before the BETFRED Cup First Round Group F Match between Motherwell and East Stirlingshire at Fir Park on July 26, 2016 in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

For Motherwell, Bevis Mugabi’s red card in the cup means he is suspended.

Nevertheless, Stephen O’Donnell will slot in at right-back with Sondre Solholm Johansen and Juhani Ojala the centre-back duo.

They’re without Barry Maguire in midfield so Liam Donnelly, Dean Cornelius and Nathan McGinley could all keep their places.

Kevin van Veen will continue to lead the line, looking for his tenth goal of the season.

Scottish Premiership table:

– 101 Great Goals may earn commission from links on this page. Our content is always original. Note that all of our reviewers are compensated for contributing content to 101 Great Goals. Learn more.