Inverness vs Morton – Match Preview

by Dean McKinnon

Morton will travel north on Saturday feeling optimistic following Saturday’s encouraging performance against Dundee. Dougie Imrie’s side looked very impressive despite the stalemate, creating numerous chances that was coupled with a solid defensive performance. The Ton gaffer will be hoping that, having conceded the lowest number of league goals so far this campaign, that his side can start finding the net and climbing the table.

Photo - GBR Photographs.

Squad Update

With the welcome introduction of creative midfielder Robbie Crawford last week, Dougie Imrie should once again boast a full squad to choose from.

Current Connections

Connections between the two squads are rather thin on the ground. Nobody in the current Morton squad has ever plied their trade at the Caledonian Stadium. Full back Wallace Duffy joined Morton on loan from then parent club St Johnstone at the beginning of last season, only to be recalled a few days later to join Inverness on a permanent deal.

Tale of the Tape

Results against the Highland side were a mixed bag last season. The Caley Jags coasted to a comfortable win in the first league encounter on Matchday 9 with a 2-0 win before the sides were drawn together in the Scottish Cup. A 1-1 draw in Inverness was mirrored in the replay in Greenock before The Ton progressed on penalties. Inverness gained their revenge four days later with a punishing 6-1 victory at Cappielow on Matchday 17. Lewis Strapp grabbed the only goal on Matchday 23 in a 1-0 win in Inverness, with the result being reversed on Matchday 35 in Greenock.

Photo - GBR Photographs.

Opposition Analysis

Much like last week’s opponents, Inverness are tipped to be competing at the top end of the Championship this term. They have retained the spine of their squad, with Mark Ridgers, Robbie Deas, Sean Welsh and Billy McKay all signed up for another term in Inverness.  

Following draws with Queens Park and Arbroath, the Highland side claimed their first win of the season a fortnight ago with a 4-1 win over newly promoted side Cove Rangers. The Caley Jags will be looking to bounce back following a Brian Graham-inspired rout in the hands of Partick Thistle. Graham’s first half double was followed up by a Kevin Holt penalty and a goal from Anton Dowds, with George Oakley grabbing a late consolation.

Betting Guide

All match odds are provided by McBookie. Odds are correct as of 6am on 25^th August 2022 and are subject to change.

The bookies have marked the Caley Jags as match favourites at 3/4 to win, with the draw priced at 12/5 and The Ton 10/3 to emerge victorious. Given the Ton’s solid defensive performances, a draw with under 2.5 goals chalks up at 31/10, and a 0-0 draw looks to be good value at 8/1.

Photo - GBR Photographs.

Match Officials

Referee – Nick Walsh

AR1 – Frank Connor

AR2 – Graeme Leslie