McGhee’s men have had a fortnight to come to terms with the disappointment of losing at home to Inverness thanks to costly defensive mistakes and we can be sure that they will have worked on that aspect of their game. The manager has told supporters that those who fail to learn lessons will open the door to others.
A good showing at Victoria Park will indicate a return to the improving form that was evident in October but that will not be easy as we face a County side that has been in the top half of the season since week two.
Louis Moult snatched a point when we last met Ross County. Late in injury time he converted Johnson’s assist to leave the visitors feeling robbed of a win in a game they dominated. County have yet to take three points from Fir Park but of games played in Dingwall honours are even. One draw and two wins apiece is the short history.
Hammell and Lasley may be available although a place on the bench would be the likely starting place. McManus will serve the suspension earned with last week’s red card making room for Laing to partner Kennedy in the centre of defence. Moult’s scoring prowess will surely guarantee a place in the opening eleven and he’ll be supported by some combination of Fletcher, McDonald, Johnson and Ainsworth.
The home side have benefited from 11 goals scored by Liam Boyce (7 in the league) but they have conceded one more than Motherwell and that will offer some hope to our front men. Reports suggest that Gardyne and Graham will be unavailable.
Motherwell fans will be charged £20 for entry to the game under the control of Crawford Allan and they will be content to travel home with the first draw to be seen at Victoria Park this season; 1-1.