The Spoony Chop: A St Johnstone FC Podcast

St Johnstone were without both of the regular centre backs in Aberdeen, switched to a makeshift central defensive trio and left Pittodrie with a win. Simo Valakari branded the performance as a 'masterclass' in control without the ball. How right was he? And with Cheick Diabate set to return against Dundee United, what might the Saints team look like at the weekend?

Premiership football is back - and St Johnstone face Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday. The big question for Simo Valakari revolves around his defence. With Zach Mitchell out for the season and Cheick Diabate suspended, how will Saints look at the back? Could Valakari opt for a change of shape in the Granite City, or is Bozo Mikulic ready to slot into a back four next to Dan Finlayson? On this week's Spoony Chop, Stuart Cosgrove, Eric Nicolson and Sean Hamilton discuss the trip to face the Dons and debate the merits - or otherwise - of Frazer Wright's viral Tennent's Sixes challenge against Dundee United.

St Johnstone entered the extended international break off the back of a heartening draw with Falkirk, achieved despite playing most of the second half with 10 men. But it could prove costly. How serious is Zach Mitchell's injury? What will Simo Valakari do upon the return to action if both he and Cheick Diabate (who will be suspended) are missing? And what do we want to see from Saints when the Premiership resumes?

St Johnstone performed admirably in defeat to Celtic. But what did the performance tell us about Simo Valakari's side. And who impressed in particular? On this week's 'Spoony Chop', Stuart Cosgrove, Eric Nicolson and Sean Hamilton unpack the loss to the Hoops and look ahead to the weekend's meeting with Falkirk.

St Johnstone enjoyed a four-point week thanks to a draw with Dundee and a win over Hibs. What did those two performances tell us about Saints' Premiership credentials? And what might Simo Valakari's approach be to the visit of Celtic to McDiarmid Park? Stuart Cosgrove, Eric Nicolson and Sean Hamilton ponder a pleasing week in the latest 'Spoony Chop', the importance of centre-backs to Saints' system and the Perth side's youth development output.