It won't be easy this time either, although with no slope to contend with a pitch we'll be used to we might play a bit better. No doubt Spartans will use the excuse that the pitch is far too good compared to what they are used to! The non-leaguers come into this game on the back of a defeat from Edinburgh University.
Saints are on a poor run of form at the moment. We haven't scored in the last four games and have taken just two points from the past three league encounters. Everyone has stopped scoring, but neither John Sutton or Stewart Kean has managed a goal from open play since last year. Considering they were the league's top scorers at one point, this isn't good. Mark Corcoran had been doing well, but even he has dried up now and Saints desperately need at least one of the three to refind their form, or Billy Mehmet to break his Saints duck, which isn't likely.
Saints have Craig Hinchcliffe and Kirk Broadfoot out as per usual, whilst Brian McGinty and Iain Anderson will enjoy the game from the stands. Mark Reilly may replace Andy Millen in midfield as the 40 year old is often rested for midweek games, and Charlie Adam could return to the starting lineup. There will, of course, be one other change after our nice little fine today, with John Baird the most likely to come into the squad to ensure we meet the "two players under 21" rule.