St Johnstone's manager Simo Valakari faces a crucial moment in the club's season as they prepare to take on Ross County in a must-win encounter. With the stakes incredibly high, Valakari has emphasized that everyone’s job at the club, including his own, is on the line. The team has been struggling at the bottom of the league, and the pressure is mounting as they look to escape relegation.
Valakari is expected to select an unchanged squad for this pivotal match, with several key players still sidelined due to injuries. Zach Mitchell (hamstring), Drey Wright (ankle), Bozo Mikulic (knee), and Sam McClelland (Achilles) remain out of action, which has limited the manager's options. On the other side, Ross County will also be missing some crucial players. Midfielder Scott Allardice is out but fortunately does not require surgery on his knee injury. Additionally, Jack Grieves and George Robesten are doubts for the match, while Ross Laidlaw (illness), Andrew Macleod (groin), Noah Chilvers (knee), and Ryan Leak (Achilles) will also not feature.
The match promises to be a tense affair, particularly after St Johnstone's recent performances. Last week, St Johnstone faced Kilmarnock, and despite a valiant effort, they were left frustrated. Adama Sidibeh missed a golden opportunity from a perfect delivery by Josh McPake, and Sam Curtis also squandered a chance, prodding wide when it seemed easier to score. However, the team's persistence paid off when Balodis scored a header from a corner, giving St Johnstone a brief respite.
As the game progressed, Samuel managed to equalize, netting his second goal of the season. Yet, St Johnstone continued to struggle with finishing, as Sidibeh missed another chance just five yards from goal, and Uche Ikpeazu prodded over the bar from a similar range. The frustration in the stands was palpable as Valakari watched his team miss yet another opportunity.
The match took a dramatic turn when Hale scored for Ross County, but VAR intervened, ruling the striker offside. This decision brought a wave of relief to the St Johnstone fans, who were desperate for a win to boost their survival hopes.
Uche Ikpeazu, who has recently returned from a long injury layoff, expressed his determination to help the team pull off a miraculous escape from relegation. After undergoing five operations and spending nearly a year sidelined due to knee problems, Ikpeazu has fought hard to return to the pitch. He described completing a full game against Kilmarnock as a personal mission accomplished, stating, "I feel I have already fought a battle this season. Sleepless nights, worry, stress, when, how, why. So many questions."
Ikpeazu's return to form is a beacon of hope for St Johnstone, and he is eager to contribute significantly in the upcoming match against Ross County. “I want to be that guy who makes the difference,” he said. “Playing 90 minutes was a personal achievement after being out for so long. I left that pitch grateful for that. But at the same time, I was sad. I was really upset. I was disappointed. I should have scored.”
Despite the challenges, Ikpeazu remains optimistic about the team's future. He acknowledged the psychological toll that being at the bottom of the league can take on players, saying, “It takes its toll. It’s human nature to feel the way some of those boys feel. We all have doubts.” He emphasized the importance of support within the squad, stating, “I’d always rather someone put the arm around me than shout or scream.”
As the countdown to the match against Ross County begins, the atmosphere at McDiarmid Park is charged with anticipation. Fans are hoping for a turnaround in fortunes as their team fights for survival in the Premiership. With only three games left in the season, every point is crucial, and St Johnstone will need to channel their frustrations into a positive performance.
Valakari’s leadership will be tested as he seeks to motivate his players to rise to the occasion. The players understand the gravity of the situation, with Ikpeazu stating, “We are not thinking about going down. We are still in there. We need to beat Ross County.” This determination could be the key to unlocking their potential and securing vital points in the relegation battle.
As the match approaches, the pressure mounts, but so does the resolve of a team that refuses to give up. With the support of their fans and the grit shown by players like Ikpeazu, St Johnstone hopes to write a compelling chapter in their fight for survival.
