Statistical Preview: Raith Rovers vs St. Johnstone

Both sides have made strong starts to the Championship season and head into the weekend occupying the top two spots in the table. Each has 10 points so far, though Raith have played one game more, with St. Johnstone’s fixture last weekend postponed due to international call-ups.

St. Johnstone’s Form Guide

Using the Raith Rovers vs St. Johnstone’s Match Centre on Andy’s Bet Club, we can see St. Johnstone had a perfect start to their league campaign, before being held to a draw by Greenock Morton last time out.

In the League Cup, they also impressed in the group stage with a 100% record, but fell at the first hurdle in the knockout rounds, losing to Motherwell.

●  1–1 Draw vs Greenock Morton (H) – Championship

●  3–0 Win vs Arbroath (H) – Championship

●  0–1 Loss vs Motherwell (H) – League Cup

●  0–1 Win vs Ross County (A) – Championship

●  5–1 Win vs Partick Thistle (H) – Championship

St. Johnstone’s Recent League Matches:

St. Johnstone vs Greenock Morton

Despite the 1-1 scoreline, St. Johnstone had significantly more chances in front of goal, with 23 shots to Greenock Morton’s five, and 1.9 xG compared to just 0.2.

The main reason they failed to convert more of these chances was due to the accuracy of these shots, with only five ending up on target, resulting in a 22% accuracy rate, compared to the league average of 37%.

They created so many openings by getting into the box regularly, recording 39 touches compared to Morton’s five. Much of this came from their crossing game, delivering 22 balls into the area with a success rate of 42%. The primary reason for this was their strength in the air, as evidenced by a 62% aerial duel win rate.

Out of possession, they were also effective. St. Johnstone made more interceptions than Morton despite seeing less of the ball, likely down to their pressing game. They recovered possession 23 times in the attacking third, allowing them to restart attacks high up the pitch.

St. Johnstone vs Arbroath

Similarly to the game against Greenock Morton, St. Johnstone dominated possession and goal-scoring opportunities, with 1.9 xG to Arbroath’s 0.6. This time, however, they took their chances, scoring three goals, with one from the penalty spot, while keeping a clean sheet.

That defensive shutout came from limiting mistakes in their own third, where they lost the ball only 16 times compared to Arbroath’s 24. They also had a higher win rate in defensive and aerial duels.

On the ball, St. Johnstone were far more effective than their opponents. Their passing accuracy was excellent across all areas, including the riskier balls that broke lines. They completed 84% of passes into the final third and 82% of progressive passes, which helped them create a higher volume of shots and sustained attacking pressure.

St. Johnstone’s One to Watch:

Josh McPake: The left midfielder has been in excellent form, scoring four goals in St. Johnstone’s four league games so far, including a hat-trick on the opening day.

He also contributes to their attack in other ways, averaging 3.3 key passes per match and is effective when running with the ball, completing 81% of his dribbles.

Final Thoughts:

St. Johnstone will likely be a tough game for Raith, as they have scored an average of 2.5 goals per match, while conceding only 0.5.

One of their main weapons is crossing. They deliver an average of 24 per game, double the 12 Raith usually face. Raith should aim to limit how many of these are completed, as they have held opponents to 25% accuracy so far, which is lower than both the league average of 33%, and St. Johnstone’s own rate of 35%.

On a similar note, St. Johnstone are likely to create more shots that Raith are used to from set pieces, with them averaging only 2.8 shots against from these situations, compared to 7.5 shots St. Johnstone usually have.

To disrupt St. Johnstone’s build-up play, Raith can look to replicate their strong record of middle-third recoveries. They’ve averaged 45 per match in this area, compared to the 24 that St. Johnstone’s opponents usually manage. Winning the ball here could limit St. Johnstone’s attacking rhythm and help bring down their excellent 87% pass accuracy, which is well above the league average of 77%.

You can find more high-quality football statistical previews, football betting tips, and the best Free Bet offers over at Andy’s Bet Club. 18+, Please Gamble Responsibly.

The post Statistical Preview: Raith Rovers vs St. Johnstone appeared first on Raith Rovers Football Club.