Livingston Preview
Last updated : 10 March 2005 By Firparkcorner
A few weeks ago we were looking at this game as a banker away win. Livingston were an absolute shambles, Gough was rumoured to be on the way out and they hadn’t won in months. Then, as so often happens in football, they got one good result. That 3-1 win against Kilmarnock gave them the springboard to a magnificent win at Dens last Saturday. From being dead and buried, Livi are now level with Dundee United and right back in the thick of the fight.
 | An attack at Livi in the sun |
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But we are also on form again. After a terrible run which plunged us back into the scramble for sixth place, we have picked up again. We have gone four games without defeat, picking up eight points in the process and we’ve only lost one goal in this time.
Livingston have a few ex-‘Well players in their line up and that will add some spice to the occasion. Jason Dair has already played against us for his new employers but Greg Strong will no doubt be fired up for his first game in opposition to the ‘Well. Let’s hope he’ll be tired after all the interviews he’ll inevitably do in the build up to the game moaning about how he was treated. Completing the ex files is Eric Deloumeaux – not the best player but looked great in our dire side and has an annoying habit of scoring against us. Let’s watch him closely!
The other danger man for Livi is Burton O’Brien. He has been quiet against us this season but as Dundee will testify, he can win games.
For Motherwell, this game may depend on the attitude we take into it. Livingston will not be holding back but it is only human for our players to be thinking about the cup final. Will this have a positive effect – people playing for places – or will it cause us to ease up and keep healthy? Terry Butcher also has a role to play here – will Hamilton drop out to give Foran or Clarkson a run before the big day? And will anyone, most likely Uncle Phil, be wrapped in cotton wool to prevent injury?
We will have big problems in this match if Livingston want the win more than us but we should be confident if our attitude is correct. A ‘Well side playing to its full capabilities will be more than enough to win and Terry should have them fired up properly. 3-1 Motherwell win.
