Reports suggest that the free week has helped to shorten the sick list at McDiarmid Park. Jody Morris (hamstring) and Murray Davidson (head knock) are expected to be available but Liam Craig (hamstring) will probably miss out. Derek McInness hopes that this run of three home games from the next four can provide a springboard for their campaign. We need to make sure that their recovery is delayed a week.
Motherwell, now free of Europa League distractions, have one win and two losses on the current table and if top six ambitions are to be realised then a game against St Johnstone should generate three points.
Murphy saves the day!
Since our last outing Alan Gow has signed up on a six month contract. He played a part in a bounce game earlier this week and it seems likely that he’ll play get some game time this weekend. Much has been written about his need to rebuild his career and it could be that he will make a considerable contribution to our season.
Mark Reynolds is still with us and he’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome from the travelling support. His central defensive partner, complete with his 50th cap, will be beside him and with Randolph in goals there must be a good chance of a clean sheet. We'll be without Saunders as he serves his suspension following the red card he received in the Celtic game.
The Saints have not recorded a home win against us in over ten years and there is no compelling argument to suggest that this happy record will change on Saturday. Blackman is on form and he could well score the only goal of the game as we win 1-0.
Remember our last visit to Perth?