Last week Motherwell fans had the opportunity for three trips to Fir Park and many were disappointed at the fare on offer.
Losses to St Johnstone and Hibs were brightened by Bob McHugh's late strike against Aberdeen and one win salvaged what might have been a very bad week. Stuart McCall, in the most diplomatic fashion, was moved to chide the home support for showing their displeasure at his substitution lat Saturday.
There is a particular irony since the only fault the Fir Park faithful have been able to identify in earlier games was his reluctance to use any substitutes at all! We can agree that the team has had a wee dip in form from the fast, free flowing football that propelled us to the top of the table in the early weeks of the season. However, dip or not, we hold a four point lead over the trailing pack and Motherwell's league position will not falter whatever the outcome at Tannadice.
United failed to beat Hibs in their last SPL match despite scoring first and later having a two goal lead. Daly got two and Swanson also got his name on the score sheet, we'll have to be wary of them on Saturday. Peter Houston will be with the Sscottish international side next week but there's no chance that his mind won't be focussed on trying to earn his team only a second home win of the season.
McCall chose the same staring eleven for all three of last week's fixtures. As much a declaration of faith as a reflection of the inexperienced nature of our squad. Again, it would seem that only Daley, McHugh and Page are possible contenders if the manager decides on a change. A point away from home is rarely a poor result in the SPL and we won't feel that an opportunity has been lost if we travel home with a point after a 1-1 draw.