Our previous encounters after European matches ended in draws with Ross County and St Johnstone and though a similar outcome here would not be a disaster, we must surely be looking to claim all three points. St Mirren are not to be underestimated though as they took a couple of decent results before a poor loss to Hibs last weekend. They also largely matched us last season with two draws and Tom Hateley's last gasp free kick giving us the only victory. They have lost McGregor to injury which may pose a problem defensively but going forward McLean, Teale, Imrie, Thompson, Parkin and Guy all provide threats of varying severity.
St Mirren's last visit to Fir Park
Stuart McCall will know he has to raise the spirits in the team after Thursday and making changes may well be considered. McHugh would seem a likely option to boost the front line though Daley will surely be left on the bench for a little longer following his dismal displays recently. Francis-Angol is unlikely to replace Hammell at full back but could play on the wing while Carswell, Hetherington and Kerr are all further options, even if they are likely to be held in reserve once more.
Perhaps a more feasible change, should one be made, is to the formation by shoehorning the existing players (or many of them) into a 4-3-3. This would either give extra support to Higdon, often the most isolated man in all of Fir Park, or allow a couple of very attacking wingers to try to pin back their wide defenders. It would mean sacrificing protection for our own full backs of course which against a side with their own wingers would be a gamble.
This will be another tough challenge for us and a win would put us in a marvellous position in the league. St Mirren will be up for it to though and we may have to settle for a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Remember the last time St Mirren were at Fir Park?
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