There would be little surprise at our zero point return from the last three games given that our opponents are leading the league but the late collapse at Ibrox gives cause for concern. At times our back line looked like rabbits caught in the headlights. They were overwhelmed by the direct running of the Rangers’ attack. Our solid defensive record now looks shaky and we have gone six games since the last clean sheet.
This weekend gives us the perfect chance to recover. The Saints have scored only once in the last three games their visit could bring some Boxing Day cheer at Fir Park.
The upcoming games are against the teams in 7th, 8th and 9th in the table. The home derby against Hamilton Accies follows a midweek trip to Tynecastle and though Hearts will be lifted by their win over ten-man Celtic we should have no great concerns about the game. They are having a poor season and we’ll be able to match them.
The Accies will cross the Clyde looking to take a New Year scalp but, again, if we can find some of our early season form then we should reinforce our claim to be The Pride of Lanarkshire.
Any return less than five points from these three games will be a disappointment and we could be on a slide into the bottom half of the table. Although many suspected in July that we would be embroiled in a relegation scrap this season, our occasional wins and frequent draws have, to the delight of many and the amazement of some, propelled us well up the table. Now that we have games against the top three behind us there is a real opportunity to build on early progress.
The pitch will be perfect thanks to the newly installed heating system and the current cold snap will give it a real test. Three points on Saturday will help to recoup the investment!