Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Scottish Premiership match.
Ross County will look to retain their place in the top flight, while Livingston aim to return after a one-year absence.
Livingston
Livingston were relegated directly at the end of the 2023/24 season and failed to secure immediate promotion. Throughout the campaign, they topped the Championship standings only once – following the opening round. Their most consistent position was second, which they held for 20 rounds, though they occasionally dropped to third. One of their few notable achievements was reaching the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup, where they suffered a home defeat to St Johnstone (0:1), a side that had also been relegated from the Premiership.
Ross County
Ross County did not spend the entire campaign in 11th place. The team remained in the bottom half throughout the season but occupied 11th position for only two rounds during the three-phase format. Prior to the relegation round, they were sitting in tenth. Their survival hopes were dealt a blow by a five-match winless run in the final stage, which included just two draws.
Livingston vs Ross County Prediction
The battle for top-flight football will be played over two legs. Ross County begin the tie away from home. Their Premiership status might suggest they are the stronger side, but after nine matches without a win – including seven defeats – it will be difficult to shift to a winning mentality overnight. Based on this, we expect at least a draw for Livingston, with a home victory looking the more likely outcome.
