{"id":46069,"title":"Perth-ect Stranger","description":"Misery Hunters writer Andrew Christie remembers The Rasmus, has another wee dig at Aberdeen and previews St Mirren's upcoming league match with St Johnstone.","content":"

\"q4fkdrllbuuute9bfeouihiixgxzmt4tln9c18iitwfvqybi.png.png?w=1140&v=2\"Do you remember The Rasmus? Yeah you do. You do a bit anyway. You vaguely remember watching the music video for In The Shadows. Your grotty wee nose pressed against Kerrang TV, illuminated by static screen glow as you kill time before fifteen free minutes of those channels<\/em>.<\/p>

Simo Valakari remembers The Rasmus. Of course he does. He was probably in them. All beguiling cheekbones and tousled hair. Like he was birthed from the forest floor by The Judderman himself.<\/p>

Saints return to the SMISA Stadium this weekend with Valakari's St Johnstone the visitors, as Stephen Robinson's men look to build on their impressive 3-0 victory at Pittodrie. While that result showcased Saints at their counter-attacking best, Saturday\u2019s test presents an entirely different kettle of silakka.<\/p>

The win in Aberdeen was classic Robinson-ball - disciplined, structured, and ruthlessly effective with 26% possession. The partnership of Mandron and Olusanya was devastating, with the latter's pace terrorising the Dons' high line while Mandron's intelligent movement and link up play created the space for midfield runners. St Johnstone\u2019s visit will require The Buddies to take the game to a more compact opposition - something we have at times struggled with this season.<\/p>

St Johnstone arrive in Paisley with renewed optimism after consecutive wins over Motherwell ended their barren run, but those victories do come with the word \u2018asterisk\u2019 in 4000pt font painted on a Well Boys bedsheet. To the neutral observer, St Johnstone are a bit of a confounding side this season. Despite being rooted to the foot of the table, seven points from safety, there's a sense that Valakari's ambitious playing style is always just a game away from clicking into gear.<\/p>

The Finnish manager's approach has been watching, waiting for validation. His commitment to expansive football, even with a team haunted by relegation fears, speaks to both admirable principles and potential naivety. Recent performances suggest his players are beginning to adapt, though defensive frailties remain a constant concern - particularly in transition moments where individual errors become costly.<\/p>

\"4xyesbvaqwmlih1d6rsjt2tjn6t9bjlrkc4953azopfmrvep.png.png?w=1140&v=2\"The key battle could well be in midfield, where Sven Sprangler operates as St Johnstone's tactical fulcrum. The Austrian's ability to dictate play from deep positions - aided by Jason Holt and a revitalised Nicky Clark at number 10 - has been one of few consistent bright spots in Perth this season. Mandron's capacity to drop deep and aid Mark O\u2019Hara and Killian Phillips in disrupting opposing midfielders - so effective against Aberdeen's Shinnie and Nilsen - could be crucial in preventing St Johnstone from establishing their preferred tactical rhythm.<\/p>

Saints' own approach presents Robinson with an interesting dilemma. The 3-5-2 formation that worked so well at Pittodrie might seem the obvious choice, but St Johnstone's style creates different demands. The partnership of Mandron and Olusanya offers intriguing possibilities - their complementary skillsets could prove decisive against the Perth backline.<\/p>

Mandron has scored more goals against St Johnstone than any other team (five). Olusanya enters the game in rich form, having already surpassed last season's goal tally. However, he's yet to find the net against St Johnstone in five attempts.<\/p>

History favours the home side. St Johnstone haven't won in their last 10 league visits to Paisley, losing their last three. More recently, Saints have won both meetings this season - a comfortable 3-1 victory in October before December's dramatic 3-2 win in Perth. Yet there's something about these types of games that always creates unease among the Saints support.<\/p>

\"mmnnbipyffbfq5vmm76xcrdimatrkmwso9a7mfh6xrb9vxb6.png.png?w=1140&v=2\"The next three home games could define Saints' season. With the gap to sixth-placed Hibs now closed, there's a real opportunity here. But first, we need to overcome this particular Saints derby - a fixture that's rarely straightforward regardless of either team's form or league position.<\/p>

The game itself feels like it could go one of two ways - either Saints grab an early goal and Valakari's men are forced to abandon their principles and chase, or we end up with the kind of attritional battle that makes me think I was maybe more cut out for writing about paintings or trainers or find out what \u2018crypto\u2019 is or something instead. The key might be patience - something Robinson has been drilling into his squad all season, even if the SMISA crowd occasionally prefer their football with a bit more immediacy.<\/p>

Everything points toward a Saints win - the form, the recent history, the league positions. Three points here would not only maintain our momentum but also pile further pressure on Hibs in the race for top six. Robinson's men showed at Pittodrie they can execute a tactical plan to perfection. Now it's about applying those same principles to a very different type of game. No more watching, no more waiting - time to step out of the shadows and into the light.<\/p>

Do I have a score prediction? Nah. But, by the way, The Rasmus are playing Glasgow in November. Should we go?<\/p>

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Author\u2019s bio<\/p>

Andrew Christie is a football writer with a gorgeous brain and huge thinking. You can find him on twitter<\/u><\/a>, bluesky<\/u><\/a> or here<\/a>.<\/p>


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