Livingston vs Ross County Prediction: David to show Don who’s boss

A 1-1 draw at home to Motherwell, coupled with Dundee FC's 2-0 win at St Johnstone, has consigned Ross County to a Scottish Premiership relegation play-off tie against Championship runners-up Livingston, who beat Partick Thistle 4-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals last week.

Below are my Livingston vs Ross County predictions, supported by all the latest team news and match odds, ahead of Thursday's first leg at The Home of the Set Fare Arena (20:00, Sky Sports Football).

Team News

Livingston appear to have a clean bill of health heading into Thursday's contest, so David Martindale could name an unchanged starting XI.

Livi's leading marksman this season, 13-goal forward Robbie Muirhead, was withdrawn at half-time of his side's 2-0 second-leg success against Partick, alongside Jamie Brandon, who opened the scoring at The Home of the Set Fare Arena, but both are expected to keep their starting spots on Thursday.

Football Odds

St Johnstone loanee Stevie May scored his first goal since March 30 in that second leg victory over Partick, but he's expected to be utilised from the bench once more.

Noah Chilvers, Scott Allardice (both knee), Andrew MacLeod (groin) and Ryan Leak (Achilles) are all out injured for Ross County, who drew their final two Premiership games 1-1.

Don Cowie must now decide whether to make any alterations to his starting XI for a tough trip to Livingstone.

George Harmon, Dylan Smith, Jordan White, Kieran Phillips and Jonathan Tomkinson all came on in the second half of Ross County's last game against Motherwell, and a couple of them might be hopeful of a promotion on Thursday.

The likes of Akil Wright, Joshua Nisbet and Ronan Hale shouldn't be fearing for their spots, though.

Livingston vs Ross County Odds

Despite competing in the division below this season, Livingston are favourites for Thursday's first leg against Ross County, with their price of 11/10 implying a 47.6% probability. The visitors, meanwhile, are 12/5, or a 29.4% chance, to take a lead back to Dingwall next Monday.

The draw is priced at 9/4, both teams to score at 8/11, and over 2.5 total goals at 10/11.

Match Result - Livingston @ 11/10

Livi have already beaten The Staggies this season, winning 3-2 after extra time in the Scottish Cup round of 32 at the Global Energy Stadium in January, and they were victors in their last head-to-head at The Home of the Set Fare Arena in April 2024, although that shouldn't have much of a bearing on Thursday's game.

More relevant is the fact that Martindale's men have won six of their last seven matches, and so should be in a confident mood heading into this first leg against Ross County.

Cowie's charges, on the other hand, arrive in pretty dire straits, losing seven straight contests before back-to-back draws against Dundee and Motherwell to end the regular campaign.

The Staggies have lost five of their last six away games and haven't won at any venue since March 1, when they beat Kilmarnock 1-0 at home.

Thursday's hosts look in good shape, and they'll back themselves to take a lead to next week's second leg.

Anytime Goalscorer - Robbie Muirhead (LIV) @ 13/8

Muirhead hasn't scored in his last three appearances, most recently finding the net on April 26 when he bagged a brace in a 3-0 victory over Hamilton Academical.

However, the 29-year-old is Livi's top scorer in 2024/25, netting 16 times across all competitions, and one of those efforts came in January's cup win against Thursday's opponents.

Muirhead opened the scoring just before the interval in Dingwall, converting a spot-kick, and he'll be desperate to get back amongst the goals this week.

At 13/8, I think he's worth backing to get back in the goalscoring groove.

Offers

Double Delight & Hat-Trick Heaven: Get double or treble the odds if your winning First Goalscorer bet scores a 2nd and 3rd

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.