Motherwell
travel to Stenhousemuir on Sunday for a last sixteen tie in the Premier Sports
Cup.
With the echoes
of the cheers still reverberating around Fir Park after Thursday’s triumph over
HJK Helsinki, Motherwell travel up the M80 for another cup tie.
Stephen O’Donnell
clinched the win a year ago on the Steelmen’s visit in the group stage. He will have to join the spectators on this
occasion as he continues his recovery.
Travelling
fans will be keen to have a first look at Joe Hodge. The midfielder joined earlier this week and although
he is short of full fitness it is expected that he will make an appearance.
Tom Sparrow
took a knock in the back against Falkirk and missed out on Thursday’s
action. He’ll be assessed before Sunday.
Alfred
Johannson was quick to dismiss talk of the upcoming Freiburg game as he remarked
post-match that his attention would be on Stenhousemuir but it would not be a
surprise if some squad rotation excused a few from this weekend’s game.
The Wariors
were unbeaten in their group and the finished on top with two wins and two
draws. Successful penalty shootouts
against Livingston and Partick Thistle earned them a place in the knockout
stage.
With a
play-off win against Alloa, Stenhousemuir were promoted to this season’s Championship
and they have started well. A draw with
Raith Rovers was followed by a win over Morton. Spirits are high at Ochilview.
Manager
Marvin Bartley boosted his squad last week when he added 37 year old Andrew
Shinnie to his midfield.
The draw
for the quarter-final will take place early on Sunday evening after the Rangers
v St Mirren game. It would be a shock if
Motherwell were not in the hat but they will face stubborn resistance. A goal in each half should ease the passage,
2-0.
