A classic David vs Goliath cup tie is on the agenda in Scotland as Premiership side St Johnstone FC host high-flying Championship outfit Dunfermline Athletic FC at McDiarmid Park. This Scottish League Cup encounter presents a fascinating clash of form and status. The home side, St Johnstone, have struggled for consistency and goals in the top flight, while Dunfermline arrive full of confidence, scoring freely and enjoying a strong run of results in the tier below.
This match preview aims to cut through the noise, analysing the stats, form, and team news to find the best value bets for this classic cup encounter. The key question for punters is whether the Premiership side’s superior quality will shine through, or if the Championship challengers can capitalise on their momentum to cause a major upset.
St Johnstone FC v Dunfermline Athletic FC Match Preview
Team Recent Form
The teams enter this cup tie in starkly contrasting form, with the Championship side holding the clear momentum.
- St Johnstone FC: LDWLD
- Dunfermline Athletic FC: WDLWW
Key Stats
- Dunfermline Athletic have scored in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions.
- St Johnstone are unbeaten in their last eight matches against Dunfermline, a run stretching back to 2007.
- The home side, St Johnstone, have only won one of their last five matches.
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Correct Score Prediction
My correct score prediction for this match is a 2-1 win for St Johnstone FC.
This is a potential banana skin for the Premiership side, but their superior quality and home advantage should just about see them through. Dunfermline’s excellent scoring form makes it highly likely they will find the net, ensuring this is not a comfortable evening for the hosts. However, St Johnstone know how to manage cup ties, and even a rotated squad will possess that extra bit of top-flight experience to edge a close contest. Expect a competitive game where the home side’s clinical finishing in a key moment proves decisive.
St Johnstone FC v Dunfermline Athletic FC H2H
- St Johnstone have not lost to Dunfermline in their last eight meetings.
- Dunfermline Athletic’s last victory at McDiarmid Park was in 2007.
- Both teams have scored in five of the last seven head-to-head encounters.
- The last meeting between the two was also in the League Cup (2022), with St Johnstone winning 2-1 after extra time.
Pre-game Odds
- St Johnstone FC Win: 1.80
- Draw: 3.50
- Dunfermline Athletic FC Win: 4.20
Team News St Johnstone FC
With their focus firmly on Premiership survival, manager Craig Levein is expected to rotate his squad for this cup fixture. Key defensive players like captain Liam Gordon may be rested, giving opportunities to fringe players. Strikers like Stevie May and winger Max Kucheriavyi, who have been short of starting minutes, will be eager to impress. This match represents a good chance for their attack to build some much-needed confidence.
Team News Dunfermline Athletic FC
Manager James McPake will view this as a massive opportunity for a cup upset and is expected to field his strongest possible lineup. The Pars will travel with a full-strength squad and high morale. Top scorer Craig Wighton, who has been in scintillating form, will lead the line, supported by the energetic midfield duo of Ewan Otoo and Chris Hamilton. They will see this as a free hit and will play without fear.
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Predicted Lineups
- St Johnstone FC (3-4-3): Richards; McGowan, Considine, Robinson; Olufunwa, Smith, Sprangler, Gallacher; Kucheriavyi, May, Jaiyesimi
- Dunfermline Athletic FC (4-2-3-1): Mehmet; Comrie, Benedictus, Hamilton, Edwards; Otoo, Chalmers; Moffat, Allan, Todd; Wighton
St Johnstone FC v Dunfermline Athletic FC Betting Tips
- Tip 1 – Result: St Johnstone FC Win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 Goals
- Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: Yes
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