That’s not to suggest that the players should be looking for an easy time. Ross County have convinced everyone that they have made the transition to the SPL successfully and the table shows them above Hearts, St Mirren and Dundee after 26 games.
Sunshine in Dingwall
Their home form has been excellent and they have lost only two of the 12 league fixtures at Victoria Park. Motherwell fans remember fondly the warm welcome that was extended on the opening day of the season. The sun shone, the Division 1 flag was unfurled but there were no goals. The Staggies are on a fine run with four wins in their last seven (unbeaten) games. This will be a tough match. Vigurs will be available after serving a one match suspension and with Brittain and Sproule on the score sheet recently our defence will have to be alert.
Lasley will be free of his two match ban and is likely to replace Carswell in midfield. Hammell was substituted early in the second half on Tuesday and he might be due a spell of recovery time. Francis-Angol has earned a starting place and more.
Now that McFadden has made his return in claret and amber it’s possible that the hype whipped up by his signing may subside a little. It’s probably to his advantage that the game is not at Fir Park and the expectation lowered. His former team-mate Derek Adams will be all too aware of the threat his inclusion will bring. It may be that that state of the pitch will determine his involvement.
The bookies have us a narrow favourites but the smart money will be on a 1-1 draw.