Livingston Preview

Livingston had a great time last season and finished third in the SPL.  We forecast that this will be the peak of their ascendancy and they can now begin the journey back to mediocrity. While the media are hailing the Almondvale, West Lothian Courier, City Stadium side, it should be remembered that they have yet to realise that there is a new financial reality in the SPL. There is now a new name, new town, new ground and new colours for this franchise and they are clearly spending way above their income. 

Our last huddle against Livvy

On the field, Livingston had a good pre-season, being unbeaten in several games. The pick of their opposition was probably Utrecht (1-1 draw) and Birmingham (2-1 win). Sergio Berti, the ex-Argentinian international, was sacked on Thursday for spitting at a team-mate and this may have an effect on the Livvy side. Of course, it would not be impossible for his dismissal simply being a cheap way of getting rid of an expensive flop. We’ll never know.

We should be able to field a side that is very similar to the team that won four out of four pre-season. Derek Adams is missing through suspension and he will be hard to replace. Shaun Fagan, Daniel Sengewald and Khaled Kemas are also unavailable, but this shouldn’t hamper us too much. Stevie Woods will start in goal, behind a probable back four of Ramsay, Corrigan, Partridge and Hammell. Pearo, Lasley and Leitch will be in the midfield, Dirk Lehmann will be up front, and James McFadden will be somewhere. That leaves one place, for either David Clarkson to start up front (with Faddy moving back) or Kevin McDonald in midfield (Faddy alongside Lehmann). It’s all so intriguing…

While confidence will be high among the ‘Well players, the fans should maintain a realistic view on things. By all means, be confident that we’ll win – we want believers – but it should be remembered that Livvy are a good side and a draw would be an exceptional result for us. A defeat is not the end of the world, particularly if we turn in a good performance. We have started Premier campaigns away from home thirteen times, with only one win. Will we change that terrible statistic? Probably not, but a 1-1 is not beyond us.

Come on the ‘Well!

Have a look at previous meetings between the sides here.