Clement's Starting XI: St Johnstone

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Post on Jan 13, 2025

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Clement's Starting XI: Predicting St Johnstone's Lineup

St Johnstone, a team steeped in Scottish football history, always presents an interesting tactical puzzle. Manager Stephen Robinson's approach is often unpredictable, making predicting his starting XI a compelling exercise. This article will delve into a likely starting lineup for St Johnstone, considering recent form, injuries, and the manager's preferred style of play. We’ll analyze the potential choices in each position and discuss the overall strategy this team might employ.

Goalkeeper: A Stable Foundation

The goalkeeper position is usually one of the most secure spots in any team. For St Johnstone, Zander Clark is the likely starter, assuming fitness. His commanding presence and shot-stopping ability are crucial assets. However, if injury prevents his participation, backup options will need to be considered.

Defense: Solid at the Back?

The backline is where St Johnstone's strength and potential weaknesses lie. A robust defense is essential to their game plan, and we'll likely see a familiar combination of players. Liam Gordon and Andy Considine offer experience and strength, making them strong contenders for starting positions. The full-back roles are more fluid, with players like Reghan Tumilty and Max Anderson vying for starting positions depending on the tactical approach. Their pace and attacking contributions are valuable assets, but defensive solidity will remain paramount.

Midfield: The Engine Room

The midfield is the heartbeat of any team, and St Johnstone is no exception. Manager Stephen Robinson frequently employs a dynamic midfield trio, combining defensive solidity with creative attacking play. Cammy MacPherson is a near certainty in the starting XI due to his box-to-box capabilities. His tenacity and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively make him an invaluable asset. Flanking him are likely to be players who offer a blend of creativity and energy. This could include players like Ali Crawford, Euan Henderson and Murray Davidson. The selection will likely depend on the opponent and the desired game plan.

Attack: Finding the Net

The attacking positions are arguably the most competitive area of the squad. The options are varied, and Robinson’s decision will heavily depend on the opponent and the preferred style of play. Nicky Clark is a strong contender for a starting position up front, given his experience and goal-scoring prowess. His ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play is essential to St Johnstone's attacking strategy. Supporting him could be a combination of wingers providing pace and width. Players like Chris Kane and Callum Booth are candidates depending on their form and fitness.

Overall Strategy and Potential Variations

St Johnstone's strategy often focuses on a solid defensive foundation, looking to hit on the counterattack. This means a compact midfield and disciplined defensive lines are key. The team's wingers will play a crucial role in stretching the opposition defense and creating chances. However, variations are possible depending on the opponent and the conditions. A more possession-based game might be employed against weaker opposition, allowing for more freedom to the attacking players.

Possible Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Zander Clark
• Defenders: Liam Gordon, Andy Considine, Reghan Tumilty, Max Anderson
• Midfielders: Cammy MacPherson, Ali Crawford, Murray Davidson
• Forwards: Nicky Clark, Chris Kane, Callum Booth

Conclusion:

Predicting a football team's starting eleven is always an educated guess. This predicted lineup for St Johnstone is based on the form, fitness, and tactical preferences of the manager. It's important to remember that changes are always possible, influenced by factors such as injuries, opponent tactics, and in-game adjustments. Keep an eye on team news closer to match day for the most up-to-date information. This analysis provides a considered view on a possible starting XI, offering fans and pundits alike a solid starting point for discussion.