Motherwell will kick off the post-split section of the league with a trip to Ross County. Our opponents are heavily engaged in the relegation zone and we can expect to face a team desperate for points.
The twelve point gap we enjoy above the play-off spot is not enough to guarantee our top flight place but a win in Dingwall would settle the issue. Thought of the prize on offer on May 19 will have to be put aside until Premiership status is secured.
November 2017
The Staggies have averaged a point a game since they dismissed Owen Coyle with the Kettlewell Fraser duo and they have moved to eleventh a point ahead of Partick Thistle. But they are four points adrift of Hamilton and Dundee; a win for them on Saturday is crucial.
County, with a free weekend behind them, will be rested and eager for the fight. Schalk got a hat-trick in their recent 4-0 demolition of Partick Thistle and their last outing saw them come close to a surprise win over Hibs. A McKay goal had them in the lead against Lennon’s side until a last minute equaliser snatched two valuable points from their grasp. They will take to Saturday’s match with some confidence.
The Motherwell squad returned to training on Tuesday after a couple of well earned rest days. They covered miles on the big Hampden pitch on Saturday but video clips suggest that they are raring to go again.
Newell suffered a broken cheekbone in the final minutes of the semi and it seems that Ciftci has an ankle injury. Bowman is rated as doubtful. It looks like time for a change of formation or a promotion from the U20s.
Carson and his defence had clean sheets in the last two games and they will be keen to extend the run. There might be blanks at both ends resulting in a 0-0.