This fixture has become a favourite for the TV schedulers and this week’s meeting will be the fourth in the short history of Friday night football. The prize of three points could keep United’s slim hope of top level survival alive while a Motherwell win would have us in sixth place – a position that seemed impossible only a few weeks ago.
Get fit soon Louis!
The visitors have won three of four outings since Motherwell triumphed 3-0 at Tannadice less than a month ago and a rare flash of optimism has been noted among their followers. The two league wins and a spirited cup victory over Ross County last Saturday does not suggest that the Arabs have meekly accepted their likely relegation. They will be desperate to keep hope alive and we can be assured of a fight.
Our former striker Henri Anier delivered cup joy with his two strikes and February’s manger of the month may give him a starting position alongside Billy Mckay.
Motherwell, with recent wins over Partick Thistle and Hamilton, have a chance to record three consecutive wins a feat last achieved in December.
Louis Laing’s thunderous strike into the net at New Douglas Park caused damage to his groin and he will need a week or two to recover. A recall for Josh Law may solve the vacancy at right back. With the rest of the squad available we can expect the rest of the side to be enchanged.
With home advantage and the expectation that United will be keen to move forward in search of points there should be space for our forwards to exploit. If they are sharp then a hat-trick of wins should be possible – 3-1.