Killie remain uncomfortably close to the dreaded playoff place with only three points separating them from St Mirren. As the number of games remaining decreases so the pressure on manager Allan Johnstone increases. There is growing discontent from the Rugby Park faithful and they are debating whether a change of direction should come sooner rather than later.
They have won only once in the last eight outings with a home victory over the struggling Hearts but they do have a powerful weapon in their armoury. Kris Boyd currently leads our own John Sutton in the top scorers’ table by one goal and much of their hopes of success in the playoff race will rest on his broad shoulders. He was joined by another returning hero when the Finish midfielder Eremenko signed up as the transfer window closed.
The drive for success in the Motherwell dressing room is of a different nature to that endured by the visitors. The stress that players suffer at the bottom end of the table is far worse that the tension at the top and with a couple of recent home wins already achieved our boys should be raring to go. Motherwell enjoy a comfortable gap over Dundee United and, whatever the result on Saturday, we’ll be guaranteed a boost from the result at Pittodrie when our rivals meet.
As our injury list diminishes, the options open to Stuart McCall grow but it’s unlikely that there will be any significant change from last week’s starting eleven. Anier was returned to the bench but was not used when we faced Ross County. He’ll be hoping for some action this week. McFadden was removed before the hour mark with a hint of a niggle but he’ll be keen to retain his place.
The Mighty ‘Well have beaten Killie in both meetings this season and there are few compelling reasons to doubt that a third win will arrive this time. Nothing is certain but many will fancy maintaining the run with a 2-1 win.