Memories from previous clashes with the Highlanders should lift our spirits but though we have taken six points from them this season, this doesn't tell the whole story. We did deserve to win at Fir Park on the opening day but 3-0 was highly flattering. In Inverness we somehow emerged with a 3-2 victory when even a point seemed like a bonus and though our guests are fighting relegation, this is sure to be another tough contest.
A wet encounter with Inverness a year ago
They are missing a few players through injury although a couple – Tokely and Andy Shinnie – may return. Captain Foran is suspended while a couple of others have returned to their parent clubs after loan spells ended.
Our team news is slightly mysterious. Jennings will return if fit but we do not yet know how serious his strain was last week. Presumably Lasley, Hutchinson and Higdon were just rested and can come back in immediately while Ojamaa and Humphrey will compete for starting berths after impressive cameos last time.
There is muttering in the stands about our current 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation but Stuart McCall has not yet indicated a willingness to contemplate change. It would be a surprise if he does so now but the potential for an attacking 4-4-2 remains due to the conservative nature of the Lasley/Jennings combination. We should have little to fear in pushing our wingers right up the park (and supporting them with full backs) and worries about losing creativity through the centre have faded massively with the downturn in Law's form.
The bookmakers will brand us clear favourites for this clash but most fans will expect a close encounter. However, if we can return to something our best we should be hopeful of recording an important 2-0 win.
Remember the last time ICT were in Motherwell?