Fresh from our away successes we may be considered to be favourites for this one but Terry Butcher realises that hard work will be needed. “They’ve got class throughout their side and there’s no doubt that it’ll need to be one of our best performances of the season but we’re confident”, he said in his midweek press briefing.
The Cuddle before the 6-2 win against Livi in May
Hammell and Pearson came through their international experiences unscathed and a full squad is available for selection. Toastie made a twenty minute appearance at Dens a fortnight ago and he’ll be keen to complete a full game to help regain full sharpness. But he may have to serve time on the bench. It’s difficult to see how Terry can pick anything but the eleven who have done so well lately.
Davie Hay will come to Motherwell as a caretaker manager. Since the departure of Marcello he has turned round the season for the franchise and they are currently in sixth place just two points behind us.
They have an experienced spine to their side with Andrews at the back, Makel in the midfield and both Fernandez and Lilley up front. They will also be confident that points will return eastward along the M8.
Our record against them is not good. We have only managed one win from the eight league fixtures between the clubs (and what a win, 6-2!) and this looks like the chance to improve our record. We should shade it by the odd goal in three. 2-1.