Wednesday was a bitter pill to swallow for all concerned, not just that we lost but because of the way we did it. Mark McGhee seemed to get some decisions wrong and our flowing football vanished. In a bid to rediscover that form it is likely we will return to the 4-3-3 which picked St Mirren apart in the opening day and that will surely mean a recall for Porter between Clarkson and McCormack in the attack. While we do play plenty of pretty passes usually, we simply don't score enough goals and this has to change.
St Mirren's last visit to Fir Park
In the midfield Hughes will be out but Fitzpatrick will probably be the player sacrificed for Porter so McGarry, Lasley and O'Donnell will all continue although Uncle Phil could also be due a rest depending on his legs. The defence is certain to remain the same as we have no other options McGhee seems willing to consider. Therefore Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds and Paterson will line up in front of Smith.
The first goal may have been slightly unlucky against Rangers but it started with another set piece and until we learn to cope with these we will struggle to get out of mid-table. Of course that still represents significant progress but it is highly frustrating to see the likes of United and Killie above us in the table when we know we can match them for football but not at school boy basics.
St Mirren have improved considerably since we defeated them at Love Street and they will be confident after keeping two clean sheets in consecutive wins. Their last victory was impressively at Easter Road and they will probably use the same tactics here as they clog up the midfield and try to prevent us passing the ball. That is entirely legitimate and it is up to us to break them down.
We need to be patient in going forward and against a side with an aerial threat the defence must improve. It will be close but we can be hopeful of getting back on track with a 2-1 win.
Remember the last game against St Mirren?