Our opponents lost to a late goal from Aberdeen last week and felt robbed. To add to their woes Bilate failed to appear for the second half of that game and he's unlikely to take to the field at the weekend having suffered a hamstring strain. His replacement, new signing Bodul, may take his place in the starting eleven.
Since they lost their two golden boys to Celtic partway through last season they have struggled. Their latest signing, Sneijder, played for 20 minutes against the Dons and we may see more of him this weekend.
The Motherwell squad had every reason to be in high spirits for this week's training. They secured the perfect start to the league campaign thanks to Fletcher's early goal in Inverness. As an attacking force we looked eager and probably should have won by a bigger margin. The defence, though rarely tested, can be pleased with the clean sheet. That achievement was impressive given that our new 'keeper, Ripley, had met his new team-mates only the day before.
Ainsworth is suspended but Chalmers fared well balancing Johnson on the opposite flank. With McDonald, Moult, Fletcher and Clarkson vying for places the strikers know they have to work hard to keep the manager's favour.
There has been no update from the club about Pearson's injury. He left Inverness on crutches to protect the knee that was involved in the clash that cost Warren a broken ankle. He'll be an important player for us this season and if there's any doubt about his fitness he won't be risked.
The last game at Fir Park turned potential disaster into a celebration and the home fans had much to cheer. A win on Saturday, though less significant, would suggest that better times lie ahead. 2-1 will do nicely!