Preview -St Mirren (a)

Many Motherwell fans are writing off last week's defeat to Rangers and suggesting that ‘the season starts at Paisley'. Writing off a defeat against one of the old firm is standard practice for provincial clubs and there is probably some sense in the argument. Our success (or otherwise) this season will be influenced most by our performance against teams at the same level and the three points from The Buddies are just what we need to get our campaign started.

'Well jans swamp the turnstyles!

Our makeshift defence is unlikely to be strengthened by 3pm on Saturday and Maurice Malpas appealed to ‘Well fans for patience. We seem to have missed out on the defender he has been trailing and has to start again. “I'm probably boring the supporters, but they'll have to trust us on this one.”

He remembers only too well the last time we played St Mirren. “We got what we deserved at Love Street when we lost there in the Scottish Cup last season, but this time we have to work hard and make sure we get the three points.”

The manager may have little room for manoeuvre in the defensive line but he does to make a choice up front. In the course of the game against Rangers he played four strikers. Will he pick McCormack and Hamilton and leave McDonald and Clarkson on the bench again?

A decent travelling support will be expected at Love Street, though the decision to insist on ‘Well fans buying tickets will do little to encourage stragglers. Those who shell out £20 for their brief are reminded that another SPL game is scheduled in Govan and that extra travelling time should be planned.