Kelty Hearts vs St. Johnstone: Scottish Cup Tie Preview!

Callum Davidson's St. Johnstone head to New Central Park to take on Kelty Hearts in the Scottish Cup tomorrow - with the holders looking to start their defence of the trophy with a win in the 4th round.

[Jason Kerr lifts the Scottish Cup]

Saints go into this one on the back of 9 straight defeats, leaving the Perth side rock bottom of the Scottish Premiership table - whilst their opponents sit 7 points clear at the summit of League Two.

How to Watch

Tickets have sold out for Saturday's game, with a crowd of 2,183 expected for the game.

If you are unable to go to the match in person, Kelty Hearts are offering a PPV stream which you can access here for £13.

Head-to-Head

St. Johnstone have only faced Kelty Hearts once - a 2-1 win at New Central Park in the League Cup group stage back in October 2020.

Jason Kerr gave Saints the lead not long after half-time before Chris Kane doubled the advantage on the hour mark. The hosts grabbed a goal in the 71st minute to haul themselves back into the game, but the score remained 2-1. St. Johnstone taking all 3 points.

Team News

St. Johnstone

Saints remain without David Wotherspoon, whilst Craig Bryson has been ruled out for the next 8 weeks. Shaun Rooney also faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Otherwise, Davidson has a full squad at his disposal.

Predicted Line-up:

Clark

Brown

Cleary

Gordon

Gallacher

Crawford

Craig

Gilmour

Middleton

Çiftçi

O'Halloran

Formation: 4-3-3

Kelty Hearts

Kevin Thomson has no injury concerns for the game and has a full squad to pick from.

Predicted Line-up:

Jamieson

Finlayson

Forster

O'Ware

Ngwenya

Tidser

Clark

Cardle

Biabi

Higginbotham

Austin

Formation: 4-4-2

Score Prediction: Kelty Hearts 0-2 St. Johnstone

Saints need to stop the rot tomorrow with a win. Falling at the first hurdle defending the Scottish Cup is not an option and a victory could do us the world of good for a side bereft of confidence.

Despite a few injuries to key players, St. Johnstone can still field a good side and there are a lot of talented players in that squad who need to step up. Kelty will be tough opposition, they'll fancy their chances and Saints need to be ready for that.

A win is all that matters and hopefully, that's just what St. Johnstone gets.