Motherwell
and Dundee United meet at Fir Park on Saturday. Can the Steelmen justify their
tag as favourites?
Thanks to
United’s goalless draw against Aberdeen in midweek the Motherwell's place in the
top half of the league split is confirmed.
The Tangerines have some work to do if they are to match that
achievement as they have a nine point gap to close if they are to reach sixth
place.
After a
busy spell with four games in eleven days Jens Berthel Askou would be pleased
to have a clear week ahead of this weekend’s home fixture. The thumping handed to St Mirren in the last
outing came with widespread acclaim as well as three points.
Five goals from five players and another clean sheet in Paisley was an indication of the strength in depth of this Motherwell squad. Tawanda Maswanhise shares top place in the scorers’ table and there was a first goal from the winter window signing Eythor Bjorgolfsson. It was no surprise that Motherwell players appeared in every outlet’s team of the week.
Askou’s
side are trying to keep a low profile in the league chase but the relentless
accumulation of points and the fine football on display inevitably draws the
spotlight. Maintaining the hard working
humble attitude will be an important factor in determining success in the next
couple of months.
Dundee United still hope to be reach the upper
half of the league by the split but the lacklustre showing on Tuesday suggests
that to be a reach too far. The dismal 0-0 against Aberdeen would do little to inspire confidence.
Jim Goodwin
spoke of the recent fragility shown by his defence but took some comfort that
no goal was conceded. On the other hand
they failed to score. Amar Fatah and
Ross Graham have found the net in recent games and might be considered their
best threat.
It would be an unwelcome surprise if Motherwell fail to maintain the momentum that has produced fourteen points from the last six. If they come anywhere close to the sparkling form that dismantled St Mirren then a win and another clean sheet may deliver another happy Saturday; 2-0.
