St Mirren and Ross County might be at opposing ends of the Scottish Premiership at the moment, but despite being lower in the division it is the Staggies who are heading into Saturday's game with momentum.
Meanwhile, the hosts shall be fighting to keep themselves in the top four as they try to end their three-match losing streak.
Match preview
© Reuters
St Mirren were left frustrated at the last minute in midweek against St Johnstone as Chris Kane scored the only goal of the game in the 95th minute.
It was a frustrating result for the Buddies, and one that allowed other teams to close the gap on them, making their fourth position far less secure than it once was.
Steve Robinson's side now sit just a single point above Hibernian, while another defeat this weekend could see the club drop as low as sixth depending on other results.
The Buddies have been much stronger in home matches, though, losing only one of their seven league fixtures to this point, which is something they should take confidence from.
St Mirren have now lost their previous three matches, which was a run that coincidentally started the last time they faced Ross County.
© Reuters
The Staggies picked up a 1-0 win when the two teams faced each other at the end of November, and since that point, they have been undefeated.
Jordan White scored in the 84th minute of that match, and the ability to hold strong defensively is something that Ross County has had no problem doing lately.
Derek Adams's team has kept three clean sheets in a row as he has made an undefeated start since taking charge of the club as he has guided the team further up the division and away from trouble.
Ross County have created a four-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone, and the Staggies will now be concentrating on looking above them rather than behind.
That was clear in midweek as the Staggies blew away Motherwell by a 3-0 scoreline, with Simon Murray, Yan Dhanda and Ben Purrington all getting their names on the scoresheet.
Team News
© Reuters
Chris Dunne was brought in to replace Richard Taylor in midweek due to injury, and it is likely he will miss out once again as he is still searching for full fitness.
Lewis Jamieson was also given his first start of the season in the defeat against St Mirren, and Robinson will now have to decide between playing him again or bringing Conor McMenamin back into the fold.
It is unlikely that Adams will want to make many alterations to the team that won 3-0 in midweek, likely opting to keep consistent with a winning formula.
However, he will be without Will Nightingale after he was sent off against Motherwell, which will force at least one change defensively.
St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Hemming; Fraser, Gogic, Dunne; Tanser, Baccus, O'Hara, Tanser; McMenamin, Mandron, Kiltie
Ross County possible starting lineup:
Laidlaw, Harmon, Baldwin, Leak; Brown, Randall, Allardice, Purrington, Dhanda; White, Murray
We say: St Mirren 0-1 Ross County
Ross County have already proven they are capable of defeating St Mirren recently, and they could end up repeating that feat this weekend.
The Staggies have been defensively strong lately while the hosts have been in poor form, which could come into play here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
