SAINTS LOOK TO SEAL FOURTH SPOT WITH WIN AT PITTODRIE
26th July 2016
As they prepare for their final league match of the season, St. Johnstone stand on the precipice of success once again.
Having said that, it can't be denied that Saints' season has already been one of notable success. The season began with a remarkable two-legged victory over Switzerland's FC Luzern in the Europa League qualifiers. Few will forget the jubilant celebrations following Tam Scobbie's winning penalty.
As is so often the case whilst following the fortunes of Saints, the loftiest highs can just as easily be followed by some disappointing lows. The Europa League defeat to Spartak Trnava in the next qualifying round was a difficult result to take, and the team's early league form did little to alleviate the pain.
However, after a slow start to the campaign, St. Johnstone used a 0-0 draw away to Partick Thistle (in October) as a small stepping stone before embarking upon a much improved run of form. At that early stage of the season, not many would have predicted yet another consecutive top 6 finish. Since then, Saints have managed to achieve that remarkable feat. In fact, no matter what occurs on Sunday afternoon, Saints will better last season's league campaign and finish in 5th position at the very least.
Despite possessing the 2nd lowest strike rate in the Scottish Premiership, St. Johnstone also boast the 3rd best defensive record. The latter statistic provides one of the main explanations for St. Johnstone's success this season. Tommy Wright's side may have slightly struggled for goals since the loss of Stevie May, but they have also proved incredibly difficult to beat.
With one match remaining, Saints have an opportunity to qualify for the Europa League once more, as well as an opportunity to possibly right the wrongs of that Spartak Trnava defeat.
St. Johnstone sit in 4th place, one point ahead of Dundee United. If Saints finish 4th, and Inverness pull off a Scottish Cup victory on the 30th May, it will be time to dust off the passports again and prepare to represent Scotland on foreign shores for the fourth consecutive year.
Dundee United face off against city rivals Dundee at Tannadice on Sunday, knowing that we will secure 4th place if we manage to equal or better their result.
Saints face an away trip to one of the only two Scottish Premiership sides who boast a better defensive record. Aberdeen have nothing to play for except pride, having already secured an impressive 2nd-place finish in the league. Nonetheless, they'll be wanting to end their season on a high.
Saints fans will undoubtedly be keeping track of the score in Dundee, hoping that the atmosphere and potential bragging rights of the Dundee Derby will spur the away side on to a victory, giving St. Johnstone a helping hand in the process.
However, the fate of 4th place is currently in the hands of the club from Perth. If all goes according to plan, and Saints defeat Aberdeen, the result of the Dundee Derby will be an irrelevance. It will be a tough task, but St. Johnstone can take heart from the fact that Aberdeen have only managed one win in the last five meetings between the clubs.
On the other hand, Saints haven't won at Pittodrie since May 2011. Jamie Adams was the match-winner in a 2-0 victory, after an unfortunate Stevie Smith own-goal.
Come along to Pittodrie on Sunday for the final league match of the season. It has been another incredible year for everyone involved with St. Johnstone FC. Here's hoping that Tommy and his players can provide something special and finish the season in an even more memorable fashion! As always, your support is much appreciated by all at the club.
Kick-off is at 12.30pm. Other than injured captain Dave Mackay, manager Tommy Wright should have a full squad to choose from.
Aberdeen have reduced admission for this match to £10 for adults and £5 for U18's. It's pay at the gate for away fans.
Match preview by Ollie Wale