In the Scottish Premiership, the clash between Rangers and Hibernian highlights the ongoing challenges faced by teams like Livingston and Dundee. As Livingston battles to avoid relegation, manager David Martindale’s position is under scrutiny following a disheartening stretch of games.
Livingston’s Struggles
Livingston currently sits at the bottom of the league table, four points behind Dundee. This Saturday’s match is crucial for Livingston’s hopes of steering clear of a potential relegation playoffs.
- Livingston has gone 14 games without a victory.
- The team has suffered three consecutive defeats.
- Last week, they lost 3-0 to Motherwell.
Martindale is entering his sixth year as the club’s manager. Despite this experience, he appears increasingly frustrated, facing a challenging season ahead.
Comparison with Other Teams
Only Hibernian and Celtic, both currently among the top five teams, have managed to defeat Livingston by more than a single goal during this dismal run. Meanwhile, Dundee has had the upper hand, winning their last four encounters with Livingston.
- Dundee defeated Livingston 3-2 in their previous meeting in September.
- Livingston has the worst start since Falkirk’s performance in the 2009-10 season.
Dundee’s Form
On the flip side, Dundee is struggling as well. They have won only once in their last seven matches and have lost six consecutive games on the road. This record matches their poorest away form since 2005.
Notably, they have not scored in their last four matches. This presents a slight opportunity for Martindale’s team to secure only their second league win of the season and close the gap at the bottom of the table.
Strategic Insights
Despite recent setbacks, Martindale’s tactical approach has led to Livingston having one of the highest rates of turnovers in the Premiership. However, they also face the issue of conceding goals following turnovers, a weakness that Dundee shares as well.
This upcoming match is critical for both teams. With pressures mounting, Livingston needs to capitalize on their home advantage to improve their standing in the league.
