First team
Match Preview - Livingston (H)
17/01/2025
There’s a change of focus for the Staggies this weekend as the Scottish Cup takes centre stage. Ross County welcome David Martindale’s Championship Livingston north to the Global Energy Stadium. Kick off is at 3:00 PM.
Ross County
Don Cowie has turned the Ross County fortunes around as of late, and bar a hard-fought display in the Celtic defeat, County have been on a terrific run of form over the previous festive period.
A record was broken of three consecutive away wins in the Premiership, where the football on show was magnificent to watch.
Wins over Dundee, Aberdeen, and Kilmarnock, alongside a draw with Hearts, have injected a boost of confidence into what now looks like a classy and confident Ross County team.
Recent results have taken us level with Kilmarnock in ninth, as well as seeing as sit ten points clear of last placed St Johnstone.
The match also brings an opportunity to see new signings Zac Ashworth ( on loan from Blackpool) and Jonathan Tomkinson (on loan from Norwich) in action as the defenders look to make their debut.
Player to Watch
Noah Chilvers has really found his feet in Don Cowie’s system over the past few weeks, and his form seems to be increasing game after game.
The attacking midfielder has been allowed a free role by the County gaffer, giving him license to drift around the pitch and create chances.
Signed on a three year deal in the summer, he looks to be shrewd piece of business by Cowie.
Continuing to deliver goals and assists, Chilvers is already a huge part of the XI but could become crucial.
Livingston
Relegated from the Premiership last season, the Lions are a team we know very well.
However, they have changed their fortunes around this year and have built a winning habit - finding themselves nearer the top end of the Championship.
They sit in third place just four points off top, having won 11 matches.
Livingston have lost three of their last five, finding themselves in a slight sticky patch, but they did get back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over bottom placed Airdrie.
Player to Watch
The Livingston squad has changed quite a bit compared to side most Staggies will remember from last year.
Experienced striker Stevie May has put pen to paper for Martindale and has been in decent scoring form in yellow.
May is one of those players who is always a goal threat, and any chances which fall his way, he will be backed to score.
The former St Johnstone man has scored five times this season.
Previous Encounters
Last time the sides met in Dingwall, Josh Sims netted a last minute winner to grab Don Cowie’s first ever win as Ross County manager.
Despite being already relegated, Livingston grabbed a 2-0 win at home in the last clash between the sides.
We played Livingston in the Scottish Cup back in 2022 under Malky Mackay away from home. Ayo Obileye scored the only goal in a 1-0 loss.
Familiar Faces
Former manager Derek Adams played for both Ross County and Livingston, as well as Scott Boyd, Rafa De Vita and Josh Mullin.
Current Livi man Stephen Kelly had a loan spell here in Dingwall, whilst current Staggie Jordan White also played for the Lions.
Richard Brittain, Gary Glen and Andy Barrowman also crossed clubs.
Team News
Michee Efete, Will Nightingale, Kacper Lopata and Alex Samuel all miss out.
Refereeing Team
Referee: Chris Graham
AR1: Andy Milne
AR2: Brian Christie
Tickets
