Kilmarnock will supply the opposition to Motherwell when they visit Fir Park on Saturday. The teams lie together in mid-table and we can expect a close contest for the prize of a three point gap.
The visitors have been transformed under the direction of Steve Clarke. His appointment in October was the catalyst for a dramatic improvement that has moved the team well clear of the relegation zone. Most of that success has come from a fine run on the artificial surface at Rugby Park, currently seven consecutive wins, but their form on the road has been less impressive with no wins in the last three.
Motherwell won 2-0 in September
They will arrive high in confidence, boosted by a dramatic win over Dundee on Tuesday. Having had an early lead overturned and been reduced to ten men (Dicker’s red earned him a suspension for Saturday) Killie scored twice in the last fifteen to snatch an unlikely result. Kris Boyd has returned to the scoring habit that shows echoes of his first spell at the club.
Céderic Kipré has reached the yellow card threshold and will miss this game. With Peter Hartley nowhere near a return Stephen Robinson will have to select a much altered defence. McHugh could fill the gap flanked by Aldred and Dunne but a switch to a back four is a possibility; Hendrie, Dunne, Aldred and Tait?
Alan Campbell missed our last weak and his return would stiffen our midfield. Main will look to add to his growing goal tally and his set up play will give opportunities to others.
Home advantage has Motherwell as slight favourites and with memories of our 2-0 win when Kilmarnock last came to town a repeat we’ll be happy with the same outcome.