Next up - Aberdeen

Last updated : 14 August 2015 By Firparkcorner

In three outings Motherwell have scored only once but conceded four.  It's a pattern that has to be broken if we are to avoid the near disaster that arrived last May.  Fletcher was the scorer in Inverness but a knee knock kept him out of Wednesday's game at Tynecastle.  Moult was given a first start in his place but he found no way through the maroon defence.

Pearson's absence is a real worry.  It will probably be October before we see him back and our midfield looks poorer without him.  Jake Taylor made his 'Well debut and is likely to start ahead of Leitch.  Once again we'll be relying on Lasley's 35 year old legs to exert some control in the centre of the park.

Baraclough's preference in this new campaign has been to place McDonald behind the lone striker.  Many in the home stands would prefer to see two leading the line but we have to accept that the manager is the best judge of his players' strengths.

The media darlings from the north east are already out of the Europa League and the cliché about concentrating on the league is already doing the rounds.  Motherwell have plenty of experience of the toil that come from mixing domestic and European games and we know the cost.   It is clear that Aberdeen believe an advantage would be gained by having an action free week. 

McLean, Rooney and Shinnie are already on the league goalscorer’s table this season and they have yet to concede.  Reynolds and Pawlett will not be available to manager McInness  but he’ll have no difficulty finding replacements. 

It’s no surprise to learn that Aberdeen are heavy favourites to win Saturday’s game and there’s little reason to think we can upset the odds.  A 2-1 defeat may be on the way.

Remember Aberdeen’s last visit?