The first cycle of fixtures has yet to be completed but Motherwell face what could be a season defining pair of clashes this week. Rock bottom Dundee come to Fir Park on Saturday but the action will start against struggling St Mirren in Paisley on Wednesday.
We all sense it. The manager, the players and the fans have been talking up this double header for weeks. The thrill and glamour of last season’s trips to Hampden has been replaced with the harsh reality of life in the bottom quarter of the league table.
Travelling 'Well fans fill the away stand
The claret and amber faithful have found little to cheer in the opening nine rounds of the campaign. One win and a couple of draws has been poor reward for the players’ efforts but careless defending and powder puff attacking has earned its reward. All that keeps us from the relegation slots is the dire displays of this week’s opponents.
St Mirren were by all accounts lucky to escape Perth with only a 2-0 defeat at the weekend. The familiar figure of Craig Samson saved his side from further pain. His forwards caused no problems for the home defence.
In theory Motherwell have the better, more experienced squad and if our eleven can start the game with the correct mental attitude the result should not be in doubt. Even the bookmakers have us as favourites with 7/5 available for the away win.
The return of Charles Dunne after his long recovery must lift the spirits and the manager now has players in competition for every position. All Stephen Robinson has to do now is select the strategy, shape and personnel to deliver some Halloween smiles. A 2-0 win will keep us happy.