Source: FOOTYMAD
Motherwell face United - again!
We have another encounter with Dundee United on Wednesday, the sixth of the season so far. They'll be desperate to repay us for their cup exit last week and we still need points for the top six scramble. An exciting game is in prospect. Whisper it, but Motherwell have built up a fine record against United this season. We’ve beaten them three times at Fir Park and at Tannadice we have a win and a draw. Surely another win will let us have them on the mantelpiece? They will be rightly proud of their 3-2 win at Ibrox at the weekend and we should take the result as warning that any sign of complacency must be avoided. Houston blasted his players following the cup game describing it as the worst performance under his leadership. He admitted that Motherwell were the hungrier, sharper and quicker team and he’ll be sure to remind them of that when he delivers his last minute instructions in the away dressing room. More of this would be nice! The visitors are free of suspension and Gomis will be restored to their midfield. Roberston, Dixon and Goodwillie will be boosted by their goals and they’ll be keen to repay their travelling fans for last week’s poor showing. Standard prices will apply for this encounter and it will be interesting to see how many make the trip from Dundee when they are charged £22 for a seat in the South Stand. It will be sufficient to say that it’s unlikely that we’ll run out of pies on this occasion. After another impressive showing against Aberdeen our players should have enough self belief to realise that they have the beating of United if they apply themselves fully to the task. Jennings will serve the second of his three game ban and it will fall to Lasley and probably Hateley to command the midfield. Maurice Ross did well in his debut and McCall will have to decide if he is to gain his second appearance or if Saunders is to be recalled at right back. Craigan has started the last two games on the bench, coming on as a late substitute each time. Keen observers will have noted that we won both games without the captain in the starting line up. That looks like another poser for the manager to resolve. We can be pleased that there seems to be competition for places at last. Another determined performance will be needed as we are bound to meet stiffer resistance that last time. It could be that the teams cancel each other out and both teams might walk away with a point after a 1-1 draw.
