Somethings got to give

With both clubs boasting consecutive wins totalling eight games then something is going to break this weekend as the two form teams meet at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium this Saturday.

Inverness are not only on a three game winning run but they have scored eleven goals in the process whilst conceding two. That statistic shows that Inverness are the top scoring club in the SPL after the first ten games with 22 goals, and it was pleasing to see the young strikers continuing the trend at Dundee without seasoned captain Richie Foran in the side, scoring four times in an emphatic win at Dens Park. Billy McKay had the daunting task of replacing the injured Foran and he didn't disappoint with a brace, adding to an Andy Shinnie penalty and a close range strike from Gary Warren.

We still have defensive deficiencies but as the season moves along we are becoming more resolute at the rear and a lot of that goes down to the endeavour of Gary Warren who is proving to be an astute acquisition by Butcher. Another plus has been the form of stand in keeper Antonio Reguero who pulled off a couple of top notch saves against Dundee when they were threatening to square the match before half time. One save in particular from the volley by Nish was simply outstanding. Nish met the ball square on as he swivelled fifteen yards from goal but Reguero matched the effort and pushed it away diving to his right. He also thwarted McAlister as he stole in at the back post to dive low and anticipated the sliding strike and kept the ball out. So, as well as being dubbed a tad eccentric, he has shown he has the qualities to earn his number one jersey and Ryan Esson may have a job prising it off his back on his return from injury. David Raven has received more than his fair share of stick when things were going wrong, so it's only fair to afford him some praise as his recent displays are a long way removed from his error strewn early games for ICT. It is of course, always easier to defend when your team are up the other end of the park scoring goals, but in general we do seem to have tightened it up although I would expect a more rigorous examination from a Tade fuelled Perth side on Saturday.

Our visitors have once again shown that they are here to stay in the SPL and have reached the dizzy heights of second place as we head into this game. Their fantastic run of five wins on the trot has seen them surge up the division to nestle in behind Celtic at the top. The Super J's were second bottom on two points having just drawn 0-0 with Dundee United in a Tayside derby after five games, but it shows what a wee run and a bit of confidence gives you. The winning run started with a superb 2-1 home win over Celtic. They followed that up by ending County's forty game unbeaten run at Dingwall by the same scoreline and then beat Dundee away 3-1. Two home wins against St Mirren and Kilmarnock, both 2-1 and hey presto, second in the league and a record equalling SPL run for the Perth side. Back to 1971 since they achieved that, so a team on form and a stern test for Inverness this week.

St Johnstone have brought in some excellent players of late and one man familiar with us is talismanic striker Gregory Tade. He can be a real handful for defenders on his day and David Raven will have to be at his best to cope with his surging runs from deep. He can also misfire and he had his off days up here as well, missing many sitters and frustrating the fans, so fingers crossed. He somehow believes that moving to Perth is a step up in his career as he believes that they are a bigger club than Inverness. Well well Gregory, you have changed your tune and become high and mighty since turning your back on us. I think he is confusing the words bigger and better club with these words. More wages! Another goalscorer in form is former Saint Mirren striker Nigel Hasselbaink who is not shy at finding the net and he scored his third of the season against Killie. Midfielder Murray Davidson has also notched three goals this season.

***Latest Team News***

Inverness had a boost for last weeks game with Shane Sutherland returning to the action at Dundee and Ryan Esson will give Butcher another headache as he returns from injury, but Antonio Reguero has done nothing wrong in his three games and could retain the keepers jersey. Bad news for Richie Foran as he is expected to miss another couple of weeks and will miss out, along with Simon King, Chris Hogg and Nick Ross.

St Johnstone welcome back Callum Davidson and David McCracken from recent knocks but Peter Pawlett is not fit along with Craig Beattie. Jamie Adam, Steven MacLean and Paddy Cregg are also out for this one. Gregory Tade may have a problem getting into the stadium as his head seems to have swollen excessively. We will have to wait till 16:50 on Saturday night to see if he is hot property or hot air.

tm4tj Prediction:- They all seem to be tough ones to call nowadays, however, with both teams on fine form we are entitled to expect some goals and a fair smattering of entertainment. I'm looking for Inverness to squirm out of this one with a 3-1 win.

Mon the Caley Jags.