Despite the perception that Thistle are having a good season they have won only one game more than us in this season's league campaign. They have yet to record back to back wins though they are currently unbeaten in their last three outings. Two draws were separated by a thumping 4-0 triumph in Inverness that prompted a few raised eyebrows. A last minute deflection gave Dundee an undeserved point at Firhill on Saturday, so it's no surprise to find that their fans are showing a degree of confidence ahead of this fixture.
A series of injuries has prevented Archibald from fielding his strongest eleven for weeks but his squad seems to be flexible enough to plug the gaps.
'Well v Thistle last season
While our win in Paisley provided a welcome boost, everyone in the 'Well camp was honest enough to admit that our performance was far below acceptable. Still, the build up to the winning goal provided a timely reminder to the players that they are capable of playing good football. More of the same on Saturday would be most welcome.
Ramsden is now free of suspension and his inclusion will probably relegate Ferguson to the bench. Law served well at right back against ten men in the second half last outing but he’ll return to his normal beat against Thistle. Although Hammell and Moore have resumed training they will not be involved on Saturday.
The manager was pleased with the “very good week in training” and the players will now have Thursday off. He will now have a greater appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses in the squad and we’ll know around 2pm whether he intends making any significant alterations. At Wednesday’s press conference he said “I’ve told the players I want to get our fans out of their seats from the off”.
The last meeting of the teams at Fir Park saw play rage from end to end and Motherwell just got the better of a 7 goal thriller. Home advantage might just give us the necessary edge this time and we could be looking to the New Year on the back of a 2-1 win.
Remember the last Thistle visit in February?