Our opponents are midway through their domestic season and unbeaten. They disposed of Bangor City in the 1st qualifying round scoring eight without reply. Stjarnan are in goal scoring form and high in confidence yet it's Motherwell who are odds on favourites to win the tie.
The visitors are novices in European football and their third place in last season's league delivered a debut season in the Europa League. Motherwell fans have become used to following the team on European tours in the last decade and many of the current squad are familiar with the issues that come with a two legged tie.
That experience will be needed if we are to progress to the next round. The major disadvantage all Scottish teams have in early rounds of UEFA competitions is that preparation is limited to pre-season training and bounce or friendly games. We'll be hoping that the momentum that saw us to the runners up place in May will continue.
Team selection will be close to the starting eleven that faced Fulham on Saturday but concerns about the Sutton/McHugh partnership up front may see a switch to a lone striker with backup from five midfielders. Stuart McCall has yet to see his charges score a European goal and it's imperative that we take a lead into the second leg.
The draw for the next round takes place on Friday and that will provide a further incentive, if any was needed, for both teams to give their all. The game takes place in the middle of the holiday season and the crowd will suffer accordingly but enough of the Fir Park faithful will turn up to urge the team on. Let's hope they go home happy with a solid 2-0 win.