The Saints have had a decent start to the league campaign with two wins and two losses to date. The loss of Stevie May and others has not led to a collapse and others have stepped into the breach. Steven MacLean (who scored a couple against us when were last in Perth) has registered twice on the score sheet already with his goals against Ross County and Aberdeen. Brian Graham will be available as fellow forward as he joined on a season long loan from Dundee United this week.
Simon Lappin made his debut as a late substitute last weekend and he may be more involved when he returns to Fir Park.
Stuart McCall has already spoken of the importance of the upcoming international break as he tries to assemble a fully fit squad but before then he has to choose a starting eleven to face St Johnstone. The manager and players have spoken plenty in the last few weeks about the need for improvement and we’ll need to see a significant lift in form if a fourth consecutive loss is to be avoided.
At Rugby Park there were signs that our passing game was improving but the lack of penetration in the last third was a worry. One solitary goal in four outings underlines the point.
Kerr’s red card last week almost guarantees the first appearance of O’Brien alongside McManus in central defence. Carswell had his chance as a left back at Rugby Park but there may be another choice his time.
Ojamaa will be another week towards top speed and much will be expected of him. He’s certain to cause confusion in the opposition defence and with any luck The Sheriff might inspire us to a 2-1 win.
Remember the last time St Johnstone were at Fir Park?