Motherwell and Kilmarnock meet at Rugby Park on Wednesday for a fixture that was originally scheduled for November 2024.
Motherwell’s participation in the League Cup semi-final caused this game to be moved and hence the teams will meet in less than three weeks since the teams shared a 1-1 draw at Fir Park.
Kilmarnock have won three of their last four home games but they stumbled on Sunday to a late Ross County goal. That defeat dropped them to tenth place in the table and six points behind the Steelmen.
Derek McInnes complained that his team looked “flat” and hoped that they would return to better form for Motherwell’s visit. He has a fair number of players unavailable but there may be a return for Liam Polworth and Rory McKenzie in midweek.
This match will be the first of four on the road for Motherwell. It follows a tough festive run that ended with a morale boosting win over Aberdeen. Tawanda Maswanhise played a vital part in the patched up forward line with an assist and a cracking goal. Ewan Wilson was able to celebrate his first goal for his boyhood club and everyone in the home stands shared his delight.
The manager had a smile on his face after Wednesday’s game as he spoke of the return to the pitch of Calum Slattery, a year is a long time to spend in recuperation. Paul McGinn also got some game time as he joined Jack Vale in adding vital match minutes.
Motherwell have not been able to take three points at Rugby Park since Alan Campbell scored there in February 2021. Killie have an undeniable advantage with familiarity of their artificial surface. Any point taken there is welcome, so a 1-1 may be acceptable.