Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at McDiarmid Park

What an opportunity for Rangers, one that Philippe Clement might not have expected at this stage, but they know they go top with a win with all the momentum seemingly going their way right now.

The visiting fans outside before the match were buoyant. They sense the importance of capitalising on another Celtic slip and where that might lead.

For St Johnstone, they will have to be so disciplined and, as Craig Levein said pre-match, brave to hold on to the ball when they have it.

Okay, so St Johnstone have won just one of their last 20 meetings with Rangers in all competitions - but there is always room for a shock. Remember James Brown's strike in November 2022? Then-manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked just two games later.

The bad news is, St Johnstone haven't won their last three home league games while Craig Levein's impact has been the subject of fervent debate on Sportsound.

The Saints sit 10th in the table, but are sixth in the form table since Levein's arrival in November. They were rock bottom when he arrived, but are now eight clear of Livingston and five clear of Ross County.

If you want even more hope, home fans, Rangers haven't beaten St Johnstone five times in a row since December 2003.

Image source, SNS

Before we get into today's game, let's take a quick look at yesterday results.

The big news came at Celtic Park, where a 92nd minute David Watson header saw Kilmarnock draw with Celtic. A big two points dropped for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Hearts continued their winning run, beating Motherwell, while Aberdeen and Hibs drew at Pittodrie.

At the bottom of the table, Dundee beat Ross County comfortably while Livingston picked up their first win since October as they beat St Mirren.

Image source, SNS

Rangers manager Philippe Clement tells BBC Sportsound: "I've been positive from the first second I was in the building. I know I want to work with these players and this club, and the passion behind it.

"I want to keep everyone happy, but it's about keeping our focus and continuing to do what we've been doing. We must give every game our total best, and the whole squad must do that.

"Month by month, the team is growing. Today, it's another test for us on a difficult surface, to produce our best football on that kind of pitch. We know it's a hard job because there is a lot of quality in Scottish football, and a lot of teams who are eager to beat us.

"I watched Man City yesterday. I saw Haaland miss a few incredible chances and he's the best striker in the world. I cannot be that harsh on my players! I don't expect to have as many chances today as we had against Ross County because it will be difficult to play high tempo on this surface."

Image source, SNS

St Johnstone manager Craig Levein tells BBC Sportsound: "We need to play well, defend well, be calm in possession and don't get flustered and create some opportunities. There'll be an element of trying to frustrate Rangers as well, of course.

"Famous last words, but we've been pretty good defensively, so hope we can continue that. Rangers have some really good attacking players, their full backs are the most creative. We have to defend our box well, but for me the important thing is when we have the ball, we make passes and advance up the field and get some control.

"I mentioned Dan Phillips - he'll take the ball under any circumstance. We've got players who want to play football. It'll depend how brave we are."

Image source, SNS

St Johnstone are handed a boost with the return of Trinidadian midfielder Dan Phillips, who has missed the last three games with injury.

He is one of three changes. Ryan McGowan looks set to start at right-back in a four-man defence, while Connor Smith - who spent the first half of the season and English sixth-tier side Scunthorpe - begins in midfield.

They replace Kerr Smith, Oludare Olufunwa, and Benjamin Kimpioka.

Image source, SNS

Philippe Clement makes full use of his squad depth, making five changes to the side that beat Ross County through the week.

January signings Mohamed Diomande and Oscar Cortes make their first league starts, while Fabio Silva starts up top. Borna Barisic and Scott Wright are the other changes.

Ridvan Yilmaz, Tom Lawrence, Ross McCausland, and Cyriel Dessers drop to the bench while Rabbi Matondo is rested from the squad.

Image source, SNS

St Johnstone: Mitov, McGowan, Gordon, Considine, Robinson, M Smith, Keltjens, Phillips, C Smith, Carey, Sidibeh.

Substitutes: Richards, Gallacher, Clark, Jaiyesimi, Kucheriavyi, Olufunwa, Sprangler, Kimpioka, K Smith.

Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Barisic, Lundstram, Diomande, Cantwell, Cortes, Wright, Silva.

Substitutes: McCrorie, Yilmaz, Dessers, Lawrence, Sterling, Balogun, King, Raskin, McCausland.

Good morning and thank you for joining us for the final Premiership match of the weekend.

Celtic stumbled in the race for the title yesterday, allowing Rangers a chance to edge back ahead at the top of the table.

To do that, Philippe Clement's side must beat St Johnstone in Perth. It's not always an easy task - just ask Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Let's have a look at the teams.

Image source, SNS