The visitors have three wins to their credit. Hamilton, Kilmarnock and Dundee United each yielded three points while one was earned with a draw against St Johnstone. Losses were recorded to Celtic and Hearts.
County have had another wholesale clearout over the summer and there will be at best a handful in their starting eleven who played when the teams last met in May. That meeting (a 1-1 draw) was played under the shadow of relegation but we both survived to meet again in the Premiership.
The unexpected return of Martin Woods from Shrewsbury Town only a few months after his move in the opposite direction will stiffen the resistance in their midfield. Boyce and Curran share seven goals between them.
Ian Baraclough has let it be known that his team has been undergoing a testing time during the international break. Fitness measurements have been taken to check progress after the initial batch of games. He also pointed out that there were no guaranteed starters no matter that the last game was a winning one.
Hammell had a half hour's action in last Saturday's testimonial match and he'll be hoping to return to first team action. He's been missed. Our latest signing, Liam Grimshaw, was given an introduction to the Fir Park pitch in the same game and we can expect to see him at some stage. If he can show some of the qualities that impress at Old Trafford he’ll ba a welcome addition. Competition for the attacking positions is likely to be a feature of this season given the number of front players in the dressing room but it would be no surprise if Moult and McDonald get first bite.
Ross County have yet to record a win in Motherwell and we’ll be keen to send them back north empty handed, 2-0 to the Mighty ‘Well.