Motherwell will return to action after the international break to face Aberdeen at Fir Park on Saturday. The meeting of third and fourth in the league presents Stephen Robinson's men with a great opportunity to consolidate their excellent start to the season.
Recent results between the teams have favoured the home side and 'Well fans will remember fondly the 3-0 win when Aberdeen last visited in November.
24 November 2018
The Dons have a win against Livingston, a heavy loss to Rangers and a draw with Hibs in their recent outings. They have won three of their eight league matches.
Curtis Main and Lewis Ferguson were shown red cards a fortnight ago and both will be suspended for Saturday's match. Derek McInness will have to shuffle his pack to accommodate their absence.
Of the seven Motherwell players engaged with the international squads only Allan Campbell was tested for two whole games. His young legs should recover in time for the weekend. Declan Gallagher's late call up to the Scotland A squad was a fitting reward for his early season form and he will look to build his partnership with Peter Hartley in the centre of our defence.
Jake Carroll is now free of suspension but Liam Donnelly is not. Barry Maguire will expect to keep his place in front of the back four. Otherwise we can assume a Motherwell team to be on familiar lines. Five wins from the last six does ease the manager's selection.
Early season form has the bookmakers rating a home win as favourite and few would argue with that view. Three points will serve notice to the rest of the league that Motherwell intend to look for a reward this season. The claret and amber bandwagon can roll on with a 2-0 win.