Saints v Saints Preview

Last updated : 19 August 2005 By Stuart Gillespie
In the three years since St. Johnstone were relegated, we've always played them at home in August. In that time we've managed a win, a draw and a defeat. Not too bad, but not too great either. Let's hope that a change of venue for the first battle of the Saints of the season (followed by the second on Tuesday, again in Perth) can see us register our first league win of the season.

St. Mirren go into this game with a few players suffering from niggling injuries, any or all of whom could miss out. Kirk Broadfoot is known to be a doubt for tomorrow due to a toe infection, and his absence would be a major blow. Mark Reilly is fit again after missing last week's match, whilst Brian McGinty and Billy Mehmet will be fitter than they were after another week of training.

After last week's dreadful performance against Stranraer we need to improve things. Hopefully we'll be a bit more attacking and not start with five or six defenders on the pitch. 3-4-3 would be nice to see, with Mark Corcoran, Stewart Kean and Billy Mehmet all starting up front. Sadly I think it will be the usual 3-5-2 (at best), and no doubt several punts up the pitch in the direction of the midget Kean to win against the giant that is Kevin James.

The Fake Saints have got off to a great start so far this season, winning all of their first four matches. This is mainly down to the fact that they've been throwing money around all summer. Owen Coyle replaced John Connolly towards the end of last season and has shipped out the dead wood, replacing it with players such as Steven Milne, Kevin James and Simon Mensingy are also being linked with a move for former Dundee United striker Jason Scotland, and will sign him if they can get a work permit for him (though that won't be until after Tuesday's cup match). Whether they can maintain their form remains to be seen but, if the early signs are anything to go by, this could finally be the season the Fakes get promoted.

With our problems in front of goal I don't see us scoring tomorrow, and with the defence looking dodgy against Dundee I don't see us even getting a draw. 2-0 to the Fake Saints.