Al Ittihad vs Damac

Livingston and Ross County are set to clash in the first leg of the Scottish Premiership playoff final at the Tony Macaroni Arena on Thursday evening, with both sides fighting for vastly different objectives. For Livingston, this two-legged tie represents a golden opportunity to secure an immediate return to the top flight after suffering relegation last season. Meanwhile, Ross County are battling to preserve their Premiership status, having narrowly avoided automatic relegation by finishing 11th in the league table. The stakes could not be higher for either team, as the playoffs often deliver high drama, tension, and season-defining moments.  

Livingston’s journey to this stage has been one of resilience and determination. After a dismal 2023-24 campaign that saw them finish at the very bottom of the Scottish Premiership with a meager 25 points from 38 matches—10 points adrift of safety—the Lions were forced to regroup in the Championship. Under the steady leadership of David Martindale, who has been at the helm since November 2020, the club set its sights on an immediate bounce-back promotion. Throughout the season, Livingston remained a consistent force in the second tier, never dropping below third place in the standings. Their strong form culminated in a second-place finish with 70 points from 36 games, courtesy of 20 wins, 10 draws, and just six defeats. Though they fell three points short of champions Falkirk, their position secured them a place in the promotion playoffs.  

In the semi-finals, Livingston faced Partick Thistle and delivered a commanding performance, securing a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate victory to advance to the final. Their dominant display will have instilled confidence within the squad, and they will now look to capitalize on home advantage in the first leg. The Tony Macaroni Arena has been a fortress for Livingston this season, with only two league defeats on home soil. Additionally, their recent record against Ross County at this venue is impressive, having lost just once in their last 10 encounters. This psychological edge could prove crucial as they aim to take a decisive step toward promotion.  

On the other side, Ross County enter this playoff final with a wealth of experience in high-pressure relegation battles. The Staggies have participated in—and won—each of the last two promotion-relegation playoff finals, demonstrating their ability to navigate these nerve-wracking fixtures. In the 2022-23 season, they triumphed over Partick Thistle in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 3-3 aggregate draw. Last term, they were even more convincing, thrashing Raith Rovers 6-1 on aggregate to retain their Premiership status. Now, they are aiming for a third consecutive playoff victory to extend their stay in Scotland’s top division.  

However, Ross County’s form heading into this crucial tie is far from ideal. Manager Don Cowie had hoped to steer his team clear of the relegation scrap altogether, but a disappointing campaign saw them accumulate just 37 points from 38 matches, with nine wins, 10 draws, and 19 losses. Their struggles were particularly evident in the latter stages of the season, where a four-game losing streak nearly dragged them into automatic relegation. Despite being clear of the bottom two with four matches remaining, their late collapse saw the gap shrink to a single point. The post-split fixtures did little to inspire confidence, as they managed only two draws alongside three defeats, condemning them to 11th place and another nerve-wracking playoff battle.  

Worse still, Ross County’s recent form is alarming, with no wins in their last nine outings—a run consisting of seven losses and two draws. Their defensive frailties and lack of cutting edge in attack have been glaring issues, and they will need a significant improvement if they are to overcome a resurgent Livingston side. Historically, their record against the Lions is also uninspiring, with just two wins in their last eight meetings, alongside four defeats and two draws.  

As the first leg approaches, the contrasting narratives of these two clubs set the stage for a fascinating encounter. For Livingston, this is a chance to reclaim their Premiership status after a humbling relegation. Their strong home form, combined with their recent dominance over Ross County at the Tony Macaroni Arena, makes them slight favorites. David Martindale will be urging his players to seize the initiative early, knowing that a solid first-leg performance could put them in a commanding position ahead of the return fixture in Dingwall.  

Ross County, meanwhile, must draw upon their playoff experience and mental resilience to overturn their poor form. Don Cowie will need to galvanize his squad, emphasizing their past successes in these high-stakes matches. The Staggies’ survival hopes may hinge on their ability to keep the tie alive heading into the second leg, meaning a defensive-minded approach with quick counterattacks could be their best strategy.  

Tactically, Livingston are likely to rely on their organized defensive structure and set-piece prowess, areas where they have excelled this season. Players like Scott Pittman, a veteran presence in midfield, will be crucial in dictating the tempo and providing leadership in pressure situations. Up front, Livingston will look to their forwards to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Ross County, whose backline has looked vulnerable in recent weeks.  

For Ross County, the key will be shoring up their defense while finding a way to reignite their attack. Their inability to keep clean sheets has been a recurring issue, and if they concede early at the Tony Macaroni Arena, it could be a long night for the visitors. On the flip side, if they can frustrate Livingston and perhaps snatch an away goal, they could return home with renewed belief.  

The psychological aspect of this tie cannot be understated. Livingston’s players will be driven by the pain of last season’s relegation and the desire to make amends. Ross County, meanwhile, are fighting to avoid the same fate, knowing that defeat would see them swap places with their opponents, dropping into the Championship while Livingston rise.  

In summary, this playoff final is a classic clash between a team chasing promotion and one fighting to avoid relegation. Livingston’s strong home form and recent upper hand over Ross County give them a slight edge, but the Staggies’ playoff pedigree means they cannot be counted out. The first leg will set the tone for what promises to be a gripping battle, with both sides aware that every moment could be decisive in shaping their future. Whether it’s Livingston’s quest for redemption or Ross County’s fight for survival that prevails, one thing is certain—this playoff final will deliver drama, tension, and unforgettable moments.