With two games left, Ross County faces a tough challenge to reach the top six.
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Ross County’s aspirations for a top-six finish in the Premiership have taken a significant hit following their recent defeat to Dundee United at Victoria Park. With only two matches remaining before the split, the Staggies currently sit in ninth place on the league table, trailing Hearts by four points and St Mirren and Motherwell by three points.
This precarious position leaves Don Cowie’s squad in a challenging middle ground, holding a three-point cushion over Kilmarnock below them and a single point ahead of Dundee, who are in the relegation play-off spot.
Understanding the challenges ahead
To avoid any relegation drama, Ross County must aim for a top-six finish, but the competition for that coveted sixth spot is fierce. The Staggies need to win both of their remaining matches against Aberdeen and St Mirren to have any chance of climbing the table. Even if they manage to secure victories, a win and a draw would not suffice to close the four-point gap to Hearts, who boast a superior goal difference of 21 goals.
What needs to happen this weekend
As the weekend approaches, the Staggies will be keenly watching the outcomes of several key matches. For Ross County to keep their hopes alive, they need specific results to unfold:
- Dundee vs. St Mirren – Dundee must win or draw
- Kilmarnock vs. Motherwell – Kilmarnock must win or draw
- Ross County vs. Aberdeen – Ross County must win
- Hearts vs. Dundee United – Dundee United must win
While draws for St Mirren and Motherwell would be beneficial for County, the crucial factor is that Hearts cannot afford to gain any points against Dundee United. If Hearts were to secure a win, they would inch closer to the 41-point mark that County is targeting.
The path to a potential top-six finish
Should the desired results materialize, Ross County could find themselves trailing the other teams by a maximum of one point as they head into the final round of matches. This scenario, while unlikely, would simplify the equation significantly, as the four teams vying for the top-six positions would be competing across just two games. Ross County’s trip to St Mirren would allow them to directly influence the fate of one of their rivals. A victory in that match would set the stage for a draw between Motherwell and Hearts, which would guarantee County’s pathway to a top-six finish.
Historically, Ross County has only finished in the top half of the Premiership on three occasions, under the management of Derek Adams, Jim McIntyre, and most recently Malky Mackay in 2022. If Cowie can guide his team to achieve this feat, it would undoubtedly rank as one of the most dramatic seasons in the club’s history.
