Livingston vs. St Johnstone: Prediction, Betting Tips

The upcoming Scottish Cup quarter-final clash between Livingston and St Johnstone promises to be an intriguing encounter. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, and this match could be a turning point for either side. In this article, we’ll delve into the prediction, betting tips, analysis, and stats for this exciting fixture.

Match Overview

Date: March 10, 2025
Time: 20:45 (UK Time)
Venue: Tony Macaroni Arena, Livingston

Livingston, currently competing in the Scottish Championship, will host Premiership side St Johnstone. Despite being in different leagues, both teams have shown resilience and determination in their respective campaigns.

Team Form and Performance

Livingston:

Livingston has been impressive in the Scottish Championship this season. They are currently third in the table with 54 points from 28 games, just three points behind league leaders Falkirk. Their recent form has been solid, with notable victories against Cove Rangers (3-0) and Ross County (3-2) in the Scottish Cup.

Key Players:

• Tete Yengi: The Australian striker has been in fine form, scoring crucial goals in the cup ties.
• Stephen Kelly: A creative midfielder who has been instrumental in Livingston’s attacking play.

St Johnstone:

St Johnstone, on the other hand, is struggling in the Premiership, sitting at the bottom of the table with 25 points from 29 games. Despite their league struggles, they have managed to secure important wins in the Scottish Cup, including a narrow 1-0 victory over Motherwell.

Key Players:

• Adama Sidibeh: The forward has been a key player for St Johnstone, scoring the decisive goal in their fifth-round tie.
• Graham Carey: An experienced midfielder who provides stability and creativity in the middle of the park.

Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Livingston and St Johnstone is quite balanced. In their last 23 meetings, both teams have won 8 matches each, with 7 games ending in a draw. Their most recent encounter saw Livingston triumph 2-1 at home.

Betting Tips and Odds

Prediction:

Given Livingston’s strong home form and St Johnstone’s struggles in the Premiership, the prediction leans towards a Livingston win or a draw. The home advantage and recent performances make Livingston the favorites for this tie.

Betting Tips:

1. Double Chance: Livingston or Draw – This bet covers both a Livingston win and a draw, providing a safer option for bettors.
2. Under 2.5 Goals – Considering both teams’ defensive records, this match is likely to have fewer than 2.5 goals.
3. Correct Score: 1-0 to Livingston – A narrow victory for the home side is a plausible outcome.

Betting Odds:

• Livingston Win: 2.55
• Draw: 3.22
• St Johnstone Win: 2.73

Statistical Analysis

Livingston:

• Goals Scored: 7 goals in 3 Scottish Cup matches (Average: 2.33 goals per match).
• Goals Conceded: 2 goals in 3 matches (Average: 0.67 goals per match).
• Recent Form: 2 wins, 1 draw in their last 3 matches.

St Johnstone:

• Goals Scored: 2 goals in 2 Scottish Cup matches (Average: 1 goal per match).
• Goals Conceded: 0 goals in 2 matches (Average: 0 goals per match).
• Recent Form: 1 win, 1 draw in their last 2 matches.

Tactical Analysis

Livingston:

Livingston’s manager, David Martindale, has built a team that is solid defensively and effective on the counter-attack. They often play with a 4-3-3 formation, utilizing the pace of their wingers and the physical presence of their striker, Tete Yengi. Their midfield, led by Stephen Kelly, is adept at controlling the tempo of the game and creating scoring opportunities.

St Johnstone:

St Johnstone, managed by Simo Valakari, typically employs a 3-5-2 formation. This setup allows them to be compact defensively while providing width through their wing-backs. However, their main challenge has been converting chances into goals, which has been a significant factor in their league struggles.

Key Battles

1. Tete Yengi vs. St Johnstone’s Defense: Yengi’s physicality and goal-scoring ability will be a major threat to St Johnstone’s backline.
2. Midfield Control: The battle between Stephen Kelly and Graham Carey in midfield will be crucial in determining which team can dominate possession and create chances.
3. Set-Pieces: Both teams have shown proficiency in set-piece situations, and this could be a decisive factor in a closely contested match.

Conclusion

The Scottish Cup quarter-final between Livingston and St Johnstone is set to be an exciting encounter. Livingston’s strong home form and recent performances make them the favorites, but St Johnstone’s experience in the Premiership and their cup pedigree cannot be underestimated. Bettors should consider the double chance bet on Livingston or a draw, and the under 2.5 goals market for a safer betting option.

As always, it’s essential to gamble responsibly and consider all factors before placing any bets. Enjoy the match and may the best team win!