Motherwell travel to Paisley on Saturday evening aiming to replace cup disappointment with league success.
The tight fixture schedule offers little time for recrimination or regret after the Scottish Cup defeat in Aberdeen. Jens Berthel Askou must ensure that his players look to extend their excellent league form with success against St Mirren.
A look at league form will brighten the mood of the Fir Park faithful. With five wins and a couple of draws in the last seven attempts Motherwell have a tight grip on fourth place and a game in hand over the nearest pursuer. There is the added bonus that ‘Well fans have been treated to the best football entertainment for generations.
From the much changed eleven that started on Wednesday Oscar Priestman and Liam Gordon saw red but the club reports that they are available. Lukas Fadinger remains on the suspension list. Matty Connelly will be forgiven for his misplaced pass that set us on the downward path but we will welcome Callum Ward back between the sticks.
Stephen Welsh no longer has to be concerned about his cup tied status and he will stand beside his captain in the centre of defence.
St Mirren have struggled in this season’s league campaign and have an eye over their shoulder on Kilmarnock in eleventh place. A move away from the relegation zone is a priority for Stephen Robinson. His team lies at the foot of the ‘goals scored’ column and he has not held back from public criticism of his players.
Following their defeat at Easter Road last weekend he described the defending as “inexcusable”. Visitors to the SMISA stadium will be hoping for a similar performance on Saturday.
The last time the ‘Well were it Paisley was in August when the game finished in a goalless draw. A repeat is unlikely and if Tawanda Maswanhise finds net then a 1-0 away win would cheer the away fans.
