Match Preview | RCFC v Livi

Looking to build on a solid point from the opening fixture of 2023 last time out, Ross County are back in action this weekend when David Martindale’s Livingston travel to Dingwall.

Malky Mackay will be looking for his side to retain their solid defensive base and add some attacking flair to create the perfect storm in the first home match of the New Year.

TEAM NEWS

After a period of injury and suspension headaches for Malky, he will be delighted to bolster his ranks with the return of Jack Baldwin and Owura Edwards.

The only remaining absentees for Ross County will be full-back Ben Purrington who continues his recovery from a broken ankle sustained in October and Alex Samuel who continues to step up his bid to return to full fitness following almost a year out.

TALE OF THE TAPE

If you are looking for tight, tense affairs…then look no further.

Ross County managed to scoop their first win in over 10 years at the Tony Macaroni Arena earlier this season thanks to Owura Edwards' solitary goal. The game, which I am sure, apart from the result, will be relatively short-lived in the memory, handed the Staggies a vital three points.

Aside from this season’s opening fixture between the pair, there were two draws and one defeat for County in the three outings last term. A sickening 94th minute winner in Dingwall for the Lions in October would not be repeated in the December and it would be County who would benefit from stoppage time in the final meeting in February. David Cancola’s wonder strike grabbed a point for County in West Lothian before the final meeting saw Kayne Ramsay step up with a 92^nd minute header to rescue a point at home.

THE OPPOSITION

Like Ross County, our opponents are not averse to defying the odds and continue to sustain Premiership football on a regular basis. Under the stewardship of David Martindale, Livingston have had a memorable couple of years and look to continue popping up surprises with every passing cinch Premiership matchday.

The Livi Lions currently sit in sixth position in the league but are winless in their last 5. However, with 7 wins and 4 draws from their opening 19 league matches I am sure the Livingston fans would certainly have taken that start at the beginning of the campaign.

Key man – Cristian Montano: The wide player has certainly made an impression on Scottish football so far this campaign notching 4 goals and 2 assists in his 17 league appearances. The Colombian's goals have been worth 10 points to Livingston this season and his pace and ability to take up key positions will certainly make him a threat come 3.00pm on Saturday.

ATTENDING THE MATCH

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