Why St Mirren are equipped for life in the Ladbrokes Premiership
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Many expected a tight, tense battle for the Ladbrokes Championship title this term – with the likes of Dundee United, Greenock Morton and St Mirren involved.
But the Buddies are running away with the title. Now 14 points clear at the top of the table, they’ve taken an incredible 25 points from the last nine league games.
Promotion back to the Championship seems a formality at this point. And there’s plenty of reason to believe Jack Ross’ side can emulate the strong Premiership returns of sides like Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian…
Ideal blend of Prem experience and emerging talents
While the Paisley club will be without the talented Lewis Morgan next season, there seems a never-ending conveyor belt of new stars emerging at the club.
Centre-back Jack Baird has been a revelation this season, and at just 20-years-old, he’ll only improve. Young striker Ross Stewart and teenage midfielder Kyle Magennis are two more youth team products who’ve caught the eye.
But that’s not to say the Buddies are inexperienced. They also got wily old pros like John Sutton and keeper Craig Samson, both of whom have over 200 Premiership appearances under their belt.
That blend has worked extremely well this season, and should prove equally successful in the top-flight.
Boss Ross has found the magic system
After two heavy defeats in their first six league games of 2017-18, St Mirren boss Jack Ross switched the side’s tactics to a 4-2-3-1 system. And following 13 wins and three draws in their following 18 games, it’s fair to say it’s been a huge success.
It seems to have suited the club’s backline especially well. In their first six games of the league campaign, the Buddies conceded 11 times. In the most recent six, they’ve given up just two goals.
At the other end, the attacking trio of Morgan, Cammy Smith and Magennis just behind pacy, prolific hitman Gavin Reilly has worked a treat.
Between them, the former two and Reilly have managed 28 Championship goals this term. That’s more than three of the league’s sides – and only two fewer than second-placed Dundee United.
They’re a winning machine
Ross’ side may have a 14-point gap at the top of the table, but were it not for their ability to pull off a stellar comeback, things would be much tighter.
The Buddies have come from behind to win in three separate league games this term. And they’ve also taken maximum points in eight matches which were level at the interval.
That team unity and mental toughness will prove a great asset when they face the tougher tests of the Premiership. And with their backline looking increasingly strong and assured, they could surprise more than a few sides next season.
As it stands, St Mirren are 1/8 to win the Ladbrokes Championship this term. And their recent form suggests they could wrap the title up sooner rather than later.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
