St Johnstone vs Dundee preview: Saints seek derby breakthrough as visitors welcome back duo

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St Johnstone will try to end a four-match winless Premiership run when Dundee visit McDiarmid Park on Saturday, with just three points separating the Tayside rivals.

Saints showed their resilience by rescuing a 2-2 draw at Kilmarnock despite playing much of the match with 10 men. Dundee arrive after beating the same opponents 3-1 and have received a double fitness boost ahead of the derby.

Kick-off is at 3pm GMT on Saturday 7 November. Dundee are fifth with 17 points from 11 matches, while seventh-placed St Johnstone have 14 points from 12.

St Johnstone vs Dundee preview: Saints need to turn draws into wins

Simo Valakari’s side have drawn three of their past four league matches, with a 4-0 defeat at Rangers interrupting that sequence.

Their last two games both finished 2-2, against Motherwell and Kilmarnock. Coming from behind in each showed character, but Saints now need a victory to turn those recoveries into a stronger run.

According to Sports Mole’s match preview, St Johnstone have conceded nine goals across their four-game winless spell. Improving that defensive record would reduce the need for another comeback.

Dundee aim to build on Kilmarnock victory

Ashley Hay scored twice late on in Dundee’s 3-1 win over Kilmarnock on 28 October. Their scheduled match against Hibernian was then postponed because of Hibs’ League Cup semi-final involvement.

Steven Pressley’s side have won two and lost three of their five away league matches. Their recent record at McDiarmid Park is stronger, however, with victories on each of their past three visits.

Pressley has warned his players against allowing their encouraging league position to distract them. In his pre-match media update, he praised Saints’ organisation and the job Valakari has done following promotion.

St Johnstone team news: Steward suspended, Stanton returns

Goalkeeper Toby Steward is suspended after his dismissal against Kilmarnock, forcing Valakari to change his goalkeeper.

There is better news elsewhere. Kai Fotheringham returns from a ban and Sam Stanton is fit again, according to Friday evening’s BBC Sport team news.

Stanton’s availability updates earlier previews that still listed him as injured. Neither returning player has been confirmed as a starter.

Dundee team news: Bevan and Finnigan available

Owen Bevan and Ryan Finnigan return to Dundee’s squad after recovering from thigh and ankle problems respectively.

Pressley said both had come through training without adverse effects. Their availability gives him more options, although he also praised Callum Jones for his performances during Finnigan’s absence.

The Courier’s pre-match report lists Simon Murray, Fin Robertson, Jack Moorhouse and Bobby Wales among those expected to remain out. Goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara is also expected to miss the trip with a groin complaint.

What could decide St Johnstone vs Dundee?

Analysis: Saints have shown they can recover from difficult positions, but conceding first again would give Dundee an opportunity to control the contest. The enforced goalkeeper change adds another adjustment for the home defence.

Dundee’s returning players strengthen their options, but Pressley’s emphasis has been on energy and winning individual battles. Their mixed away results suggest that league position alone offers little assurance.

For St Johnstone, converting a competitive performance into three points is the challenge. For Dundee, it is about reproducing the late attacking threat that settled the Kilmarnock game.

St Johnstone vs Dundee prediction

Dave.Sport prediction: St Johnstone 1-1 Dundee.

Dundee’s recent record in Perth gives them encouragement, but Saints have been difficult to put away. Another close game looks likely, with neither side consistent enough to make a convincing case for a comfortable win.

Kick-off time and how to follow

St Johnstone vs Dundee kicks off at 3pm GMT on Saturday 7 November at McDiarmid Park, as confirmed in St Johnstone’s official match guide.

The game is not being shown live on UK television. Follow our St Johnstone vs Dundee match centre for team news and matchday updates.

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