The Saints to create big Scottish story in Europe
McDiarmid Park in Perth will be the setting for SPFL outfit St. Johnstone's biggest ever match in European cup competition, perhaps since their clash with Monaco in the old UEFA Cup over 20 years ago. The Saints shocked many onlookers by grabbing an impressive and deserved 1-1 deep in the Turkish capital away to giants Galatasaray. With the tie finely poised on aggregate, the victors will face Danish club Randers in the play-off round, full in the knowledge that success in that eminently winnable pair of fixtures will mean group participation and the subsequent prize money and greater exposure that comes with it. Read our preview here:
Wotherspoon's frothing
Last season's fifth placed side have had a very low key beginning to their 2021/2022 domestic campaign, drawing both opening matches and scoring (and conceding) only once in those two. They were holding their own whilst under pressure at the Türk Telekom Stadium before the hosts' goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's bizarre actions led to a dramatic red card, which really opened up the game; the final half-hour was a more end-to-end contest with a man advantage, and whilst manager Callum Davidson can't bank on another gift like that, his charges will make it very difficult for their more vaunted adversaries to play through them. Canadian midfielder David Wotherspoon will be a key component in that strategy, and his performance could be pivotal in retaining his place internationally in what is an exciting, mostly young squad. Balancing defensive duties with a more creative bent will give his teammates an outlet when under the cosh, and will be vital in transitioning.
Patrick's day?
Muslera's dismissal will mean Fatih Terim's side, already under intense scrutiny by their own hordes of faithful fans after an extremely heavy aggregate defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League qualifiers was followed up by an utterly underwhelming home draw to relative unknowns from Scotland on the international stage, will be significantly weaker in goal whilst also looking shockingly toothless up front. Berk Balaban is just starting out on his senior career between the sticks, and the highly decorated head coach is in two minds whether to start Mbaye Diagne, who looked competent in fits and starts for a very direct West Bromwich Albion side in 2020/2021 whilst on loan at the Hawthorns, or Falcao, who has yet to get up to full match fitness in the early games this summer. Patrick van Aanholt was one of three faces hauled off at half-time by a clearly furious Terim last week, and should he survive to be selected from the outset again, he will need to improve significantly. The Dutch international had a very mediocre Euro 2020, and as much as he can still be an asset going forwards, he can be caught out of position more often than not when possession is lost quickly or unexpectedly. Davidson could look to exploit that by doubling up on his flank with right wing-back Shaun Rooney supported by the aforementioned Wotherspoon.
All tight on the night
On paper, Cimbom have a far stronger roster; that is no surprise to any neutral observer. What is a surprise is just how poor they have looked in all three European fixtures this term, and a fourth will see them hauled over the coals back in Turkey. Davidson senses that history could be made on the continent by St. Johnstone if they play to their maximum, starting on Wednesday night. It won't be a goalfest, but betway have odds of 2.70 for the Scottish hosts to qualify at Gala's expense.
