Those who remember the start of McGhee’s first spell at Motherwell will recall the early boost in players’ fitness and the impressive run of results that followed. After a concentrated effort on the training ground last week, including a few double sessions, there were signs of a similar improvement at Aberdeen. If that trend continues we will have a fighting chance of achieving our first win on that artificial surface for a couple of years.
Smile for the camera! Last time at Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock have made a fine recovery following their poor stat to the league campaign. When we beat them at Fir Park at the end of August it completed a six game run without a win and only two points. Since then they have lost one in seven and taken 13 from the 21 points on offer. They lead us by four.
The form of Magennis has been an important factor. He has scored seven this season including one for Northern Ireland in the euro qualifiers. His bustling presence will keep our defence busy.
Moult and Fletcher seem to have McGhee’s favour as starting strikers although McDonald’s point saving goal at Pittodrie makes a case for moving him off the bench. Lasley hobbled off in the second half with a calf injury and may be a doubt especially on the plastic pitch.
Rugby Park is one favoured by the Motherwell support. The excellent view, the Killie pies and the reasonable £20 entry price (if only more clubs, including ours, would join the Twenty’s Plenty campaign!) should guarantee a decent representation from Lanarkshire.
Just before kick-off there will be a pause to mark the passing of one of Kilmarnock’s 1965 title winning team, Matt Watson.
The bookies see the teams evenly matched but if the new manager’s influence remains on the up then we may have a good Saturday night following a 2-1 win.
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