Next up - Dunfermline

Published: 23 Jan 2012 - 13:25:33

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Our draw at Tannadice caused us to slip league places. Can we start moving in the right direction with a positive result against Dunfermline on Tuesday evening? When there is no danger of relegation, it is slightly ridiculous to talk of must win games. Having been so poor recently and now having slipped out of the automatic European spots, on the face of it, it is hard to imagine a high finish if we do not win games like this. However, Motherwell has not won at home in the league since September and in the home form table, we'd be sitting a lowly tenth. Dunfermline's bottom placing is justified on their overall performances to date but their away form is respectable – in that table they'd be sitting seventh.

Dunfermline's last visit (March 2007)

The Pars have not been helped by several injuries and a defence which leaks goals but going forward they have players who are inconsistent. They could cause us problems on their day. Confidence will be high following their excellent win on Saturday against Kilmarnock and they may be emboldened with the knowledge another victory will move them out of the relegation zone.

Our squad does not seem set for any obvious changes but will surely bring in Henrik Ojamaa to start ahead of Daley. He provided a cutting edge previously lacking in Dundee and we will ask the Estonian, Murphy and Law to offer more support to Michael Higdon. Whether or not he plays as the lone striker in a 4-3-3 or with a partner in a 4-4-2 remains to be seen but having scored twice at East End Park earlier in the campaign, he will be hopeful of bagging more goals.

This game could well turn out to be a struggle but picking up something from our games in hand is vital. A strong win could also be the springboard we need before the six-pointer with St Johnstone on Saturday and let's hope we get it with a 3-1 success.

Remember the last time Dunfermline were at Fir Park?