The visitors have not had the traditional 'new manager bounce' that might have arrived when John Hughes took charge at the Caledonian Stadium. One draw and three losses from their last four matches has seen them slip seven points behind Motherwell and it could indicate a change in strategy from Hughes. After their loss to Ross County on Wednesday he stated that they were "too open" and that they were "over committed and a little bit too expansive".
A Motherwell attack in sunny February
It will be no surprise if they set up in a defensive formation on Saturday with the aim of sneaking something on the break. They will be without the red carded Draper at the back and with Foran still recovering from his shoulder injury some of the guile that has served them so well will be absent.
The last two meetings between the teams were in Inverness and Motherwell lost on both occasions. When ICT were last at Fir Park, in February 2013, we had a convincing 3-0 win thanks to a couple from Higdon and one from Law.
Stuart McCall will be aware of the need to break down a stubborn defence but he'll know that has not been one our strengths so far this season. Will this be the time to start McFadden in a central position in the hope that his trickery can find a way through? Or will the striking pair of Sutton and Anier that has already delivered 17 goals be handed the task?
Dan Twardzik is now back with Dundee after his fabulous loan spell and we can expect Neilsen to return to duty between the sticks
With five wins in the last three weeks Motherwell fans should be turning up in big numbers to back the team as they try for a very rare run of six in a row. We should be extending the New year celebrations into the first weekend of the year as we salute a 3-1 win.
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