Despite our differing fortunes in recent seasons, games against the Paisley Saints have proved to be more difficult than might have been expected. our win at Greenhill Road in September was our first against St Mirren in six attempts and we have not enjoyed a home win over the Buddies since Humphrey, Hateley and Murphy delivered a 3-1 margin in 2010.
Danny Lennon has steered his team away from the play-off region of the table and a culture of avoiding defeats seems to have arrived. They have lost only two of their last ten outings and now hold 8th place in the table. The prospect of looking at the teams ahead rather than the chasing pack will have removed some of the pressure on the squad as their play has improved.
Motherwell fans have no idea what to expect on Saturday. They can be assured of commitment hard work but the level of performance remains a mystery. Will we see the team dominate and control as shown in the first half against Ross County or will a toothless and feckless display as was revealed in our recent cup exit deliver a disappointing result?
News from the treatment room is encouraging. Kerr, Francis-Angol and McHugh have resumed training after recent injuries and they'll be in contention for places. Our emergency loanee Dan Twardzik is likely to find a place on the bench assuming Nielsen has shaken off the thigh strain that kept him out last week.
It's may be an unchanged eleven who start the game with Sutton and Anier leading the attack. Ainsworth will offer some pace from the wing and McFadden will probably be on the bench (again).
Pre-Christmas fixtures usually attract a smaller than average crowd but there's no reason for the entertainment value to be reduced. If Motherwell are to continue their top six challenge then a win will be needed before the Boxing Day trip to Aberdeen. If we can keep up a decent supply for our striking pair there's every reason to expect a early present with a 2-1 win.
Remember the last time St Mirren were in Motherwell?
Source: FirParkCorner
Source: FOOTYMAD
