Livingston vs Ross County Predictions

• Ross County have avoided the drop in the play-offs in each of the last two seasons.
• Both teams scored when these teams met in the Scottish Cup in January.
• Both teams have scored in each of the Staggies’ last four games.

Livingston face play-off veterans Ross County

Livingston and Ross County meet in the Premiership relegation final first leg on Thursday and the visitors are becoming old hands in this end-of-season double header.

The Staggies have avoided the drop via the play-offs in each of the last two seasons, edging out Partick Thistle in extra time in 2023 after a 2-0 first leg defeat before a more comfortable ride last season as they beat Raith twice.

As the Premiership team, County are the favourites but Livi are looking for an immediate return to the top tier and have a win over their opponents this season – beating the visitors in extra time at Victoria Park in a Scottish Cup tie back in January.

Tie could be in the balance after Almondvale leg

Livingston had a formidable home record in the Championship with 40 points from 12 games and there is some appeal in backing the hosts here, as County are winless in nine (D2, L7), but backing both teams to score looks the stronger option for our main bet at the current prices.

The Lions hit 31 goals in their 18 home games and have scored in nine of their last 12 games overall, while Ross County have seen both teams score in each of their last four games and have kept just two clean sheets in their last 17 games across all competitions.

Correct score backers should consider a 2-1 win for Livingston, a result that would leave this tie finely poised before these sides reconvene in Dingwell, as Livi will be desperate to make the most of their home advantage and their home form suggests they can grind out a win against a team they drew with on the road.

Visiting forward Ronan Hale is the standout contender for an anytime effort at Almondvale Stadium as he comes into Thursday’s game in fine form. Hale has four goals in his last six games – including one in each of his last two appearances – and is County’s leading marksman this season.