St Johnstone prepare for a key Premiership clash with Motherwell this weekend, aiming to shake off the effects of a heavy defeat to Rangers. The Perth side were beaten 4-0 at Ibrox on Tuesday, a result that halted their recent momentum. In that match, Kevin Kelsy scored twice for Rangers, with Ryan Naderi and Tochi Chukwuani also finding the net.

That loss leaves St Johnstone eighth in the league with 12 points from 10 games, a record of three wins, three draws and four losses. They have a goal difference of minus four, having scored 11 and conceded 15 so far this season. The gap to league leaders Celtic stands at 15 points.

Their form has been mixed over the past four matches, with one win, two draws and one loss. Before the Rangers defeat, they drew 1-1 at home with Dundee United on Saturday 17 October, with Josh Fowler scoring an equaliser assisted by Enes Alic. Their last victory was a 1-0 away win at Aberdeen on Sunday 11 October, and they also drew 1-1 with Falkirk on Saturday 19 September.

The starting lineup deployed against Rangers in a 3-4-2-1 shape featured T. Steward in goal, with a back three of L. Smith, D. Finlayson and C. Diabate. The wing-backs were T. Steven and E. Alıç, with R. McAlear and J. Cotterill in central midfield. J. Gullan and J. Campbell supported lone striker J. Fowler. Adjustments are expected for the Motherwell game.

The visitors, who sit 10th, lost 1-0 to Hearts in their last outing. Their probable lineup could include A. Paulsen in goal and a defence featuring T. Sparrow, J. Girdwood-Reich, M. Moormann and M. Emmanuel.

St Johnstone's immediate focus is on securing a positive result at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday 28 October. A win could see them climb the standings and create distance from their opponents in the bottom half. The team will be looking to improve on their goal minutes, having scored 11 times and conceded 15 across the campaign. Their next fixture is a home match against Motherwell scheduled for Wednesday 28 October.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes praised Minsu Kim's performance in the 4-0 win over St Johnstone on 24 October. McInnes said the South Korean was "key to his side’s first three goals." The defeat leaves St Johnstone eighth in the Premiership with 12 points from 10 games. They host Motherwell on 28 October.

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari said he had no complaints over Kai Fotheringham's red card against Rangers on 24 October. Pundit James McFadden disagreed, telling reporters, "I don't think there was an enormous amount of force in it." The 23-year-old was sent off in the 4-0 defeat, a result that leaves the side eighth in the Premiership with 12 points from 10 games.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes said his side's 4-0 win over St Johnstone on 24 October was a response to his demand for brilliance. He stated, "I asked the players to be brilliant today and not to just win the game." McInnes also noted St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari made tactical changes at half-time. St Johnstone, eighth in the Premiership with 12 points from 10 games, host Motherwell on 28 October.