St Johnstone

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• St. Johnstone's Josh Fowler is the top scorer in this season's Scottish Premiership, scoring five goals from just 10 shots (50% conversion), six of which have been on target.

• Dundee United have won both of their last two league games, last winning three in a row in April 2025 – when the third win was over St. Johnstone.

• After their 1-0 win over Aberdeen, St. Johnstone are looking to earn back-to-back victories in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since February 2025, and first time without conceding since March 2021.

• Dundee United have won four of their last seven visits to St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership (D2 L1) and could win successive trips to McDiarmid Park in the top-flight for the first time since April 2012.

• St. Johnstone have lost each of their last three league games against Dundee United, their longest top-flight losing run against the Tangerines since a run of four defeats from May 2001 to January 2002.

New Scotland centre-half Luke Graham was with St Johnstone before joining Dundee, who sold him for £2m to Stoke City this summer, and new head of academy Paul McDonald is determined to ensure the Perth club do not lose such talent again. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Sam Miller
Fan writer

There was something familiar about Sunday's 1-0 triumph over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Josh Fowler's coolly dispatched first-half penalty delivered three vital Premiership points, but if you look closely at the steel and determination on display, you have to wonder: did the squad draw inspiration from a viral clip of club icon Frazer Wright?

​Last weekend, internet feeds were inundated with footage of Wright's famously unapologetic tackle at the Tennent's Sixes.

It was uncompromising, ruthlessly competitive, and delightfully old school.

While nobody was asking Simo Valakari's side to completely throw caution or the rulebook to the wind, that crunching viral moment served as a timely reminder of what it truly means to play for St Johnstone: grit, fight, and absolute defiance.

​At Pittodrie, Saints channelled that exact spirit. We stood resolute against the Dons, throwing bodies in front of shots, disrupting their rhythm, and refusing to give an inch.

Fowler's spot-kick provided the advantage, but the sheer work-rate without the ball secured the victory.

​If Wright's internet-breaking challenge reminded this team of the inner fire required to wear the jersey, then long may the viral clips continue!

Sam Miller can be found at Dogger Saints, external

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The goals temporarily dried up for Josh Fowler last season after his January move to St Johnstone but now the 24-year-old is the leading scorer in the Scottish Premiership as he embarks on just his second term in senior football.

An early penalty at Pittodrie took Fowler's tally to five from eight outings and was enough to earn the promoted Perth side victory on Sunday.

After prolific spells in the contrasting surrounds of Beith Juniors and Dubai City, Fowler continued his free-scoring form at Queen's Park, knocking in 19 goals in 25 appearances before St Johnstone snapped him up.

He would only add two goals to Saints' title-winning effort in the Championship but now they are flowing again.

"The biggest asset for a striker is confidence," former Saints centre forward Cillian Sheridan told the BBC Scotland Football Podcast.

"It gives you that extra half-yard, you feel stronger and fitter.

"Teams that build up play and like to be attacking need a striker that's going to put chances away. At the moment, Josh Fowler is doing that.

"He'll be looking forward to every game and to every chance that comes his way."

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St Johnstone defender Matty Foulds' hard work in training paid off after picking up his first appearance in two months during Sunday's 1-0 victory at Aberdeen.

The 28-year-old, who made 30 appearances across all competitions for the Saints last term, was named in the starting XI for the first time since a 1-0 defeat to St Mirren back in August.

And the left-back helped Simo Valakari's side keep their first clean sheet of the season, with Josh Fowler's penalty converted penalty for St Johnstone the only goal at Pittodrie.

Cheick Diabate was suspended for the game while Zach Mitchell's loan spell from Charlton was cut short by a serious injury so Foulds and Liam Smith lined up in a makeshift back three alongside Dan Finlayson.

"It was new for us playing together in that formation," Foulds told the club website. "But we have all played enough games to understand what our role was.

"It was important that we talked with each other to get through the game.

"You sometimes need to bide your time and, when you get your chance, take it.

"We demand a lot out of each other in training. You always need to be spot on. Even the lads who didn't come on for this particular game, everyone has a massive part to play. We're all together.

"We would have liked to have had more of the ball, but we found a different way to win a football match."

St Johnstone fans, we asked for your views after Sunday's victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Jack: Superb win for Saints. A clear penalty and Josh Fowler finishes it as he always does. Aberdeen had plenty of chances but couldn't find the back of the net. Dan Finlayson was my man of the match, super defensive shift. Onwards and upwards.

Ian: I, a lifetime Saintee from Perth, now a season ticket holder at Leicester City. Leicester has a poor management structure and team coach, who have alienated fans who see a bleak future. Saints are fortunate to have an owner who has a long term vision and a manager who has united a squad to fight for one another and the supporters, who ultimately are the life blood of the Saints. In unity of purpose is strength. Thank you Adam Webb and Simo Valakari. We are on the up.

Stuart: With no Zach Mitchell or Cheick Diabate this game could've gone bad very quickly, reassuring to know we have the resilience to hang in when needed. Fowler is looking more and more like the striker we've needed for a long time, and I hope we can hold onto him for a good while.

Watch all the highlights as St Johnstone narrowly defeat Aberdeen at Pittodrie to move into the top six of the Scottish Premiership. Available to UK users only.

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St Johnstone head coach Simo Valakari: "There has been a lot of talk about how we want to control games. Mostly that's with the ball but today, that was not possible.

"We still controlled it without the ball. Defended very well in our own box, mostly kept them out the dangerous zones. Yes, a lot of crosses and corners but that's normal.

"I'm very pleased with our players. We still want to attack but we can defend as well, it was a very good display.

"I was very pleased with how we started and the action that led to the penalty was very good play by us. Fowler coolly scored the penalty and then we needed to defend.

"What we learnt from this match is that when we were 1-0 down, when our backs are against the wall, we learnt what to do with the ball.

"We had a couple of moments to go and score a second goal. That's one thing we need to learn.

"Our players are great human beings, great characters, and I love all of them. It's a team sport, we all need to push in the same direction. If one isn't doing it, we're not strong.

"It's important we all push the same way and then, you can see what's possible."

St Johnstone rose into the Scottish Premiership top six with a rare away victory over Aberdeen as Josh Fowler's early penalty proved decisive.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say on the game via this link.

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Aberdeen pair Brad Lyons and Emmanuel Gyamfi are both back in contention so Kristers Tobers (knee) is the only definite absentee.

On-loan Saints defender Zach Mitchell has returned to Charlton with a season-ending knee injury and Cheick Diabate is suspended after his red card against Falkirk before the international break.

Croatian centre-back Bozo Mikulic could make a return from his lengthy injury lay-off, having come through two closed-doors matches.

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St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari admits the loss of on-loan defender Zach Mitchell to a season-ending knee injury is a "big blow", but remains confident someone else in the squad can step up.

The 21-year-old has returned to Charlton for treatment and rehabilitation after suffering the injury against Falkirk before the international break and undergoing surgery.

Mitchell made nine appearances in his second loan spell in Perth and had become a key member of Valakari's defence.

"He will come back stronger and we were already talking after the operation with him about when the recovery and rehabilitation will start," Valakari told Saints TV.

"Of course it is a big blow, first of all for the boy with those things happening, but at the same time (there is) a feeling for our fans because they don't see a great player playing in action for your team. We were a better team when he was with us, but these things happen.

"I have always said it - we are as strong as our squad is and we have a strong squad. Now there will be some player stepping in and taking this place."

Saints resume the domestic campaign in sixth place on eight points before Sunday's trip to Aberdeen.

Centre-back Cheick Diabate is suspended after his red card against Falkirk.

Croatian defender Bozo Mikulic could make a return from his lengthy injury lay-off, having come through through two closed-doors matches.

Valakari said: "Cheick Diabate is missing through the suspension. It is one game, he will be out, but otherwise, everyone is fit and healthy, so it is a good situation."

Centre-half Bozo Mikulic is poised to return to St Johnstone's starting XI for the first time in eight months against Aberdeen - two years since the 29-year-old was forced to pull out a game at Pittodrie after being injured in the warm-up. (The Courier, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

• Prior to the international break, St Johnstone recovered more points from losing positions than any side in the Scottish Premiership (5), drawing 1-1 with Falkirk despite conceding first last time out.

• Only bottom side Kilmarnock have had fewer shots (69) than Aberdeen (70) in the Premiership this season, with the Dons' 7.16 xG the lowest of any side.

• Aberdeen have only lost one of their past 14 home league matches against newly-promoted opponents (W7 D6), a 1-0 defeat to Falkirk last season.

• St Johnstone have only won one of their past 10 league meetings with Aberdeen (D4 L5), a 2-0 away victory in February 2024.

• St Johnstone have won one of their past 16 away games in the Premiership (D3 L12), beating St Mirren 1-0 in February 2025.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Are underlying numbers from the start of the Scottish Premiership season suggesting a refreshed approach could be taking hold across the league?

Well, the success stories at Motherwell and Falkirk last season seem to have had an influence.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin was humble enough to reveal that Jens Berthel Askou - now head coach at Toulouse in Ligue 1 - has inspired him to change his ways after more than 15 years as a player and manager in Scotland.

Goodwin's side are one of a number of Premiership teams to have undergone a stylistic shift this term, and that is reflected in the league's overall numbers, albeit the sample size remains small after just seven matches for each club.

Compared with the previous five Scottish top-flight seasons, passes per game have soared to 886. That is an increase of 58 on last term. Five years ago, the average was 795.

Passing accuracy is also at a high of 81%, which is quite a remarkable increase on the 73% recorded in 2023-24.

That is down to more short passing. The percentage of long passes across the league (13%) is now at its lowest level of the past five years. Perhaps surprisingly, Hearts and Rangers go long more than any other teams.

Goodwin's United, meanwhile, have gone from average possession of 42% last term to 50% this season. Their accurate passes per match have rocketed from 219 to 320.

It is a similar story for St Mirren under Craig McLeish and Neil McCann's Kilmarnock, while league leaders Celtic and Alfred Johansson's Motherwell are locked at the top of the possession chart on 61%.

The promotion of St Johnstone back into the league, replacing Livingston, has added another side who aim to play a more expansive brand.

The recent appointment of Dutch head coach Marink Reedijk at Hibernian will only enhance that.

Read more: Why early-season data points to Premiership style shift

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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BBC Sport Scotland has been taking a look at away ticket pricing in Scottish football.

It is an issue which has been tackled at the highest level south of the border, with a £30 away ticket cap having been in operation in the Premier League for a decade.

Is anything similar on the agenda north of the border?

While it doesn't appear to be at the moment, we have been canvassing the thoughts of fans across the Premiership.

A solo adult away fan going to a league game at St Johnstone will pay between £26 - £34 depending on the fixture, with concessions ranging from £5 to £22.

Adult away fans can also buy tickets for the family stand - £25 (category B) or £22 (category C) if they are accompanying a child under 13 (maximum of 2 x u13) who can attend for free.

There are further concessions in the family section for seniors (65+) and 13-18 year olds.

St Johnstone fan Sam Miller, of the Dogger Saints podcast, says: "There needs to be a blanket coverage for away tickets across Scotland.

"I think £25 would be a reasonable ask, because aways fans are usually given the worst section of a stadium or huddled into one little corner so they are not getting the same views and experience as everybody else in the stadium.

"I would suggest fans like myself don't understand the finances needed by a club to run it on a day-to-day basis. Maybe if that was made clearer, we would be more understanding of why ticket pricing is what it is."

Read more: Are SPFL away tickets too expensive?

Sam Miller
Fan writer

St Johnstone's trip to Pittodrie on Sunday cannot come soon enough.

​While international football brings its own drama, the three-week hiatus felt completely unnecessary and ill-timed so early in the domestic campaign.

August and September are all about building momentum, establishing squad rhythm and bedding in summer signings.

To freeze the league calendar just as teams are finding their feet kills the natural energy of the season.

A lengthy wait without club football leaves fans stranded without their weekly ritual, staring at an empty schedule right when the competitive fire should be stoking.

​For St Johnstone, breaking up the early momentum disrupts match sharpness. Training sessions cannot replicate the intensity of proper Premiership competition.

​Thankfully, the pause is nearly over. Sunday's trip north provides the perfect opportunity to shake off the rust, grab three crucial points and kickstart the league campaign in earnest.

Sam Miller can be found at Dogger Saints, external

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari stands by his decision to allow Jack Baird to join Raith Rovers despite Zach Mitchell's injury, which ended the 21-year-old's loan from Charlton Athletic, leaving the Perth side short of defensive cover. (Courier - subscription required, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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We asked you to rate St Johnstone's season and tell us what Simo Valakari should be focusing on during the international break.

Here's what some of you said:

Jimmy: We've had a decent start with a good win over Killie. Then a run of tough games, which didn't go our way. I think our weakness is our defence, one player in particular is giving me cause for concern. On the positive side we have shown plenty of fight, and I feel we are punching above our weight. I'll be delighted if we finish in the top six, we have the players to do that.

Nathan: I think we are doing well and have a real chance for the top six. Zach Mitchell being out is a huge blow considering he had a really good partnership with Cheick Diabate. I feel that we are a good possession-based football side and not a typical run and punt type of team. Everything's positive at the club and I also think that we have the best left-back and goalkeeper in the league.

As the extended international break continues, we want to hear your thoughts on St Johnstone's opening seven games in the Scottish Premiership.

The newly-promoted Perth side started with a thrilling win over Kilmarnock and have picked up one further victory, while all of their defeats have been by a single goal.

How do you rate St Johnstone's start to the season and why? And what should Simo Valakari be focusing on during the extended break?

Share your views here

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Zach Mitchell is "gutted" after being ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury and has returned to parent club Charlton Athletic from St Johnstone.

The defender, 21, picked up the injury in this month's 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw with Falkirk.

"Everyone at St Johnstone thanks Zach for his contribution and wishes him all the very best with his recovery," the club said.

Mitchell, who had previous loan spells with St Johnstone and Hibs, made nine appearances this season during his Perth stint.

"I'm gutted not to be able to continue the season after what I feel has been a positive start with so much potential," he said.

"I love playing for St Johnstone and both of my spells at the club have been really incredible experiences that I'll always be grateful for.

"Thank you to everyone who has made me feel part of such a great club, especially the fans for their incredible support and for always making me feel welcome. It's been a pleasure to play for you.

"I'm proud to have been part of St Johnstone again, and I hope our paths cross in the future. Until then, I'll be supporting the boys and wishing everyone at the club all the best for the rest of the season."

On-loan Charlton Athletic centre-back Zach Mitchell is still waiting for more scans on the injury he picked up against Falkirk, but St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari fears the 21-year-old will be sidelined long-term. (The Courier, external)

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.