The players were disappointed not to secure victory a fortnight ago in a game that they led twice, but on this occasion we’ll have the advantage that a home crowd can give. The sensible decision by the clubs to reduce admission prices to £10/£5 will also encourage a large travelling support and a cracking atmosphere should develop for this massive game.
Despite fears that international selections might have disrupted preparations for the tie it will be mostly injuries and a suspension that will cause the managers a headache. Gomis picked up a second yellow at Tannadice and he’ll be a spectator. United will get a lift as Conway, Severin and Kovacevic are reckoned to be available after spells on the treatment table. The visitors will have enjoyed the free week following the intense spell of games in early March but will the pause knock them off their rhythm?
Rhythm is not something familiar to watchers of Motherwell of late. Stuart McCall has been using the word “inconsistent” in too many post-match conferences in the last few weeks. One decent performance has been followed by a horror. Fortunately we’re due for a good show on Wednesday to balance the poor second half that we had to suffer at Rugby Park in our last outing.
We have no suspensions to trouble us and Steve Jennings will be able to take to the field (for the last time before the league split). Saunders is out with a long term ankle injury but there is hope that Hammell and Jeffers may have recovered. Randolph should be back from his trip with the Irish squad but the situation with Craigan is not yet clear. He was rested for the Northern Ireland game against Serbia but they have another Euro 2012 qualifier on Tuesday night in Belfast (v Slovenia) and might recall our man to replace injured Aaron Hughes.
There will be no holding back as both teams will attack from the outset. The first meeting produced four goals and it is likely that we’ll see several more on Wednesday. Sutton has found scoring form but the threat from Goodwillie and Daly poses a real threat. It may well come down to penalties following another 2-2 draw.