The wrath of United’s newly appointed manager fell on his defenders following their concession of half a dozen in the east end of Glasgow. His feelings find an echo in their supporters, some of whom are asking if their strikers can score more than they will lose when the face a Motherwell team that now has a free scoring habit at home.
The teams have exchanged away wins this season, each time the margin was one goal. Our back line will have a severe test with Mackay-Steven, Russell and Daly offering the most obvious threat. Ramsden may be a doubt after his enforced removal on Saturday but in Cummins we have a decent replacement. Lasley and Kerr will complete their suspensions with this game and the likliehood is that Carswell and Higginbotham will retain the places they filled so well against Inverness.
One of our former players expressed the view that United, despite trailing us by 7 points and a game in hand, could finish second in the league. Brian McLean was speaking after his defence conceded six at Parkhead and his remarks seemed to be aimed to curry favour with his new manager rather than a sensible analysis of their prospects. They have won only two of their last ten league games.
The team deserve a big and enthusiastic home support for this encounter. We're playing well, in the last few months we're scoring an average of three goals a game at home and delivering a skilful and entertaining spectacle. Everyone with the interest of the Mighty 'Well in their heart should be in place to cheer the boys on as they try to secure the first runners up finish in almost twenty years.
A 2-1 victory will move us closer to that goal.
Remember the last visit from United?