Next up: Partick Thistle

Last updated : 09 April 2015 By Firparkcorner

Thistle failed to upset the odds at Parkhead on Wednesday and, having played the same number of games, they have a four point advantage.  Should they lose at the weekend that lead would shrink to one point and that awful nervous feeling would sweep though the back corridors at Firhill.

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Alan Archibald was disappointed at his side’s midweek loss but he argued that their discipline was good tonight and they created chances.  He’ll need to find a replacement for Craigen who’ll be suspended after earning a red card when he conceded Celtic’s penalty.

Doolan, their top scorer, tweaked a hamstring against Aberdeen last week and missed the Parkhead game.  He may make his return on Saturday and play alongside our former players, Lawless and Higginbotham.

Both teams have had a win in this season’s earlier meetings.  Sutton’s penalty in the last game of 2014 gave Motherwell the points and our opponents were convincing winners in October. 

The only doubt in Motherwell’s ranks might be Pearson.  He had to replaced after an hour on Tuesday with what looked like a twist to his knee.  His growing influence has played a significant part in the team’s improvement in recent weeks and every effort will be made to have him match ready.

In stark contrast to the constant shuffling of the team in the first half of the season, we now have a settled starting eleven and the side almost picks itself.  The run of three consecutive wins will make the manager’s task a little easier although he’ll be aware that a tough match lies ahead.

While Motherwell‘s place in the table dictates that a win is needed it can be reasoned that a draw would suit Thistle.  If they form up with the intention of not losing the game we’ll not complain.  The pace of Johnson and Ainsworth combined with the mobility of Erwin and McDonald has delivered 11 goals in the last three outings.  There’s no reason not to think that we’ll score a couple and grab a lifeline with a 2-0 win.

Remember our last visit to Firhill?