First team
Match Preview | RCFC v St Johnstone
13/12/2022
The return of the cinch Premiership is just around the corner and Malky Mackay will be looking for his County side to continue their good form when St Johnstone come to town on Saturday 17th December.
TEAM NEWS
The Staggies have been buoyed by the return to fitness of Connor Randall, Ben Paton and Ross Callachan. The trio have been back in full training ahead of the top-flight resuming this weekend.
Alex Samuel has also returned to the grass as he steps up his return from a cruciate injury sustained at the start of 2022.
Ben Purrington is still likely to be out for a few weeks yet as he continues his recovery from a broken ankle sustained again Dundee United in October.
TALE OF THE TAPE
County enjoyed an undefeated run again St Johnstone last season. After an opening day 0-0 draw in Dingwall in Malky Mackay’s first league match as County manager, the Staggies would go on to defeat Perth Saints in the Fair City and in Dingwall on the surge towards the top half of the table.
The only meeting so far this season resulted in a 0-0 draw at McDiarmid Park where both sides spurned chances to win the game in a tight, cagey affair in Perth.
THE OPPOSITION
The visitors to Dingwall have enjoyed a very different season so far this campaign. After coming through the play-off’s last year to remain in the top-flight, Callum Davidson has galvanised his St Johnstone side as they currently sit in sixth place on the cinch Premiership table.
Undefeated in 5 before the break, St Johnstone claimed impressive wins over Hibernian, Kilmarnock and Rangers before draws with St Mirren and Motherwell. St Johnstone boss Davidson will be looking to continue that form when the campaign resumes this weekend.
Key Man: Melker Hallberg- the midfielder was a pivotal part of St Johnstone’s fortunes last year as they retained their Premiership status. Hallberg has gone on to continue his starring role for the Perth Saints as the 2022/23 campaign started and has played a key role in the middle of the park for Callum Davidson’s side both going forward and in a defensive capacity. The central midfielder’s range of pass and quality on the ball is a real asset to St Johnstone.
ATTENDING THE MATCH
