Falkirk v Saints Preview

Last updated : 15 May 2009 By Stuart Gillespie

Some of his team selections in recent weeks are certainly things that no one else would have done had they been in charge, culminating in Wednesday night when no less than four players were played out of position. The man has to go, regardless of what happens, but we're stuck with him for now. That debate can be left for another, not far off, day.

Tomorrow is simple. If we lose and Caley Thistle don't, it's over. Anything else and it carries on for another week. There are numerous permutations that involve our possible survival, but nearly all of them involve us winning tomorrow. We simply have to do it. Anything less and we can pretty much get those first division road maps back out of the loft.

The performances of the last few months have led me to believe we're going down long before now. One league win all year is a disastrous run of form and it's no surprise that we now find ourselves staring into the abyss. I've seen nothing in the past few weeks that makes me think we can change things. We have no fight or desire and a manager who seems to have lost the plot. His negative demeanour - in the press and on the touchline - seems to suggest he has all but given up hope as well.

Compare that to Falkirk. A month or so ago it looked extremely unlikely that they would catch us - yet a win tomorrow will seal their safety. John Hughes has been talking them up at every opportunity and they are battling for, and getting, the points they require. It's an impressive turnaround, although a chase is always easier when your opponent is standing still.

So, on to tomorrow. Earlier in the season we went to Falkirk bottom of the league and win. We must do the same again this weekend. The forums have been busy with various possible line-ups - and nearly every one of them involves dropping John Potter. The defender has been awful in recent weeks but, like Mo Camara, has somehow kept his place. He was hooked on Wednesday and surely has to be dropped, so knowing Gus he'll keep his place. If he is replaced, Marc McAusland is the man likely to replace him - unless David Barron is moved across and Camara or the fit again Steven Robb start to allow Cuthbert to return to central defence. So, knowing Mr Stubborn, it'll be same again.

The midfield was also ludicrous and has to be changed. Playing two holding midfielders like Hugh Murray and Gary Mason is madness in a game we must win, so let's drop Mason. Bring in Garry Brady or Stephen McGinn and move Andy Dorman out on the right as he's the nearest thing we have to a winger. It simply has to be changed from Wednesday, but again will probably stay the same.

Up front, go with Billy Mehmet and Craig Dargo. Yes, Dargo isn't fit and yes, Dennis Wyness scored on Wednesday, but this is the paring we have to go with. Dargo causes defences problems and Dorman looks a completely different player when Craig is up front.

Injuries limit what changes can be made. Jim Hamilton, Tom Brighton and Chris Smith are definitely out. Jack Ross is almost certainly out, although there is a chance he could make it. Robb played in last night's Renfrewshire Cup game and could make it, while Franco Miranda is still missing. No doubt Mr Stubborn will use these injuries as an excuse to keep the same team.

Worryingly for us, Falkirk have something Kilmarnock had on Wednesday - a big, bald striker. Step forward Michael Higdon, who we are supposedly interested in signing. If he plays and we have Potter in defence we're screwed. Potter can't seem to jump or head the ball at the moment and the prospect of a big striker, combined with decent delivery from the likes of Neil McCann and Jackie McNamara, is something to be worried about. Hughes actually went with four strikers on Wednesday, which will certainly make things interesting!

This is the last chance saloon for us. There will be a big support backing both teams in what is the biggest game of the season so far for Falkirk and Saints. Sadly, I think there will be tears before bedtime for our fans as our return to the first division is confirmed.

NOTE: Due to personal reasons, I will not be at the game tomorrow and will not be online until Sunday evening. Therefore, I will not be able to update this site until 24 hours or so after the game. Just thought I'd say this incase folk think I've gone into hiding after our we go down!