Our hosts lost out by the odd goal in seven in Paisley last weekend and we'll see an echo of that on Sunday. Fraser Wright's red card will result in his absence from defence and with his partner in the centre, Steven Anderson, recovering from an operation on his hand the Saints' boss will have to improvise. In the meantime they have signed Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Sanel Jahic.
Claret and amber baloons at McDiarmid
In addition, Steven MacLean suffered a bad knock to his knee and he'll join long term absentee David Robertson in the stand. But before we fall into the trap of thinking that the game will be a walkover for the Mighty 'Well we note that St Johnstone delivered a 4-0 thumping to Inverness recently and that Stevie May seems to be fulfilling some of the promise that surfaced last season. Stuart McCall will be taking nothing for granted.
The game will be broadcast live (and free to air) on BBC Alba with a scheduled start time of 4.05pm. The disruption to plans for Sunday dinner will affect only the few thousand who make their way to McDiarmid Park. Many away fans will baulk at the £22 gate price for an event that can be watched from the comfort of a cosy armchair.
The team that beat Hearts last Saturday was unable to call on the services of Hollis, McFadden or Ainsworth. Neilsen will feel that his performance merits another stint and few ‘Well fans will dispute his claim. If either of the other two can make the squad then our chance of a win will increase.
Let’s hope for a 2-0 win for Tobar na Màthar!
Remember our last visit to St Johnstone?