The big new for Motherwell fans is Thursday’s announcement that Henrik Ojamaa is to return on loan until January. His arrival will provide a huge boost to a weakened team and is guaranteed to have the home support raising the East Stand roof.
Motherwell will again field team weakened by a rash of injuries and no doubt will regret the lack of foresight as shown by Aberdeen when they managed to postpone their scheduled game against St Mirren this weekend. Regardless, we’ll get the sticking plasters out and do what’s possible.
Francis-Angol was short of his usual pace at Tannadice and his half time substitution does not suggest he’ll be available for another game within three days. Young Ferguson responded well to the challenge even though he was out of position but to start him at left back would be a major risk. There may be changes ahead.
Ojamaa, subject to international clearance, will be in the team and either up front with Sutton or on the wing. Ainsworth was risked only for the last few desperate minutes against United and he’ll be another on the doubtful list.
John Hughes has been steadily changes the style of the team he took over in December. The pressing game with an eye to attack is the new philosophy and by all accounts it’s having some success. Hamilton were dispatched with ease on opening day when the familiar names of Mackay and Christie scored the early goals to kill of our neighbours.
In midweek they played the other newly promoted team when Dundee were at the Caledonian Stadium. The game was a goalless stalemate. Shinnie was praised for his marauding runs on the left. ICT were unchanged for this game but that may not be the case on Saturday. Vincent was subbed early in the second half following an injury and his replacement, Watkins, will be hoping he impressed enough for a start.
The club has made it clear for some time that we could use a few new faces and our need is obvious. Until then our fringe and younger players will gain some first team experience and there’s no harm in that as long as we can keep up with the pack. Ojamaa’s arrival is likely to be the first of the reinforcements.
Our record against Inverness at Fir Park has been good for the last few years but this could be a severe test. Still, we defended stoutly for most of Wednesday’s game and if we can keep them out there might be a wee celebration on Saturday night as we toast a 2-0 win.