Saints v Falkirk Preview

Last updated : 25 April 2008 By Stuart Gillespie
They've managed to rattle nine goals past us in two games with just one from Billy Mehmet in reply. A combination of poor defending and goalkeeping helped them out in both games and hopefully these are problems that will not arise tomorrow. Falkirk are struggling to score goals at the moment, despite the fact they are a quite attack minded team. However, whenever a team is struggling or a striker needs goals, a game against St. Mirren is usually the perfect tonic!

Both teams seem to have a player who likes scoring in these games and few others, although each seems to improved their goal tally this season. Mehmet has scored two against Falkirk this season and also one last season, while Pedro Moutinho is often on target for John Hughes' side. In fairness, Moutinho does have an advantage as most strikers seem to score against us, while a Saints goal this season has been a rare beast.

Manager Gus MacPherson has almost a full squad to choose from, with the only players missing out being the suspended Hugh Murray and the injured David van Zanten. While we scored two fantastic goals last week, it would seem we created very few chances - and neither strike came through a particularly attacking player. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if there are any changes to the team. Youngsters such as Marc McAusland and Mark Docherty could do with experience, while it's about time players such as Stephen O'Donnell and Alan Reid got a chance to show if they are worth a new dea. Only Garry Brady seems to be getting that opportunity at the moment - and it would seem on current performances he should be ditched in the summer.

Falkirk narrowly missed out on a place in the top six for the first time this season and are probably looking forward to the summer holidays. They have some decent players and promising youngsters Tam Scobbie and Scott Arfield have established themselves in the first team this season. They, like us, have several players with uncertain futures and they will be trying to impress tomorrow. Saints fans will pay particular attention to Jack Ross if he plays as he is rumoured to be close to signing for us.

This game has all the makings of a typical end of season match and Falkirk will win it because their strikers can score goals and ours usually can't.