MX23RW : Thursday, December 26 19:53:06| >> :600:129209:129209:

Preview: Motherwell vs. St Mirren - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash between Motherwell and St Mirren, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Since this article was published, this match has been postponed due to a flooded pitch.

The Scottish Premiership returns this weekend following its hiatus due to the World Cup, and Motherwell will be hoping to kickstart this period by moving away from the relegation zone.

The hosts are just two points above the bottom two, meanwhile St Mirren could climb up to fourth in the table with three points on Saturday.


Match preview

Celtic's Liel Abada in action with Motherwell's Nathan McGinley on February 6, 2022© Reuters

Motherwell had a difficult first section of the campaign with just five victories from their opening 16 fixtures in the league.

The last of those took place at the end of October, and the team head into this game on the back of a four-match run without a victory, which included three defeats.

The most recent of them was a friendly match during the World Cup break against Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur which saw the Steelmen defeated 4-0.

While playing at home is something that typically favours a team, that might not be the case for Motherwell this weekend as they have won just once at Fir Park.

With just two points between them and the relegation zone, a defeat could leave Steven Hammell's team in a difficult situation heading into the festive period.

Trevor Carson in action for St Mirren on October 8, 2022© Reuters

That is something that the visitors will be hoping to make happen, especially since a victory could allow them to move into fourth place if other results go their way.

However, they will need to improve upon their performance from the opening day of the season which led to a 1-0 loss against Motherwell.

The Steelmen finished that match with 10 men after Ricki Lamie was sent off in the second half, but a penalty from Kevin van Veen was another to separate the teams that day.

Since then St Mirren have kicked on which has led them to a midtable place heading into the next section of the season.

Away performances are something that Steve Robinson will be wanting to see improve though as they have just won a single league match on the road to this point.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:


Motherwell form (all competitions):


St Mirren Scottish Premiership form:


Team News

Both teams will be bringing fresh squads into this match after a lengthy break due to the World Cup, and that period has allowed each manager to work on things behind closed doors.

New formations and different players in the starting lineup could be on display this weekend as every club in the league looks to get back on track with immediate effect.

One name that is likely to retain his place in Motherwell's team is Van Veen, who has been a focal point in the attacking options throughout the season.

Trevor Carson will be the man trying to keep the Steelmen at bay throughout the match as he will be playing in goal for the visitors.

Meanwhile Richard Tait could also be an option for St Mirren with the break from league action likely to have been enough time for his groin problem to be dealt with.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; McGinn, Solholm Johansen, Lamie, Penney; Slattery, Goss; Spittal, Shields, McKinstry; Van Veen

St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Carson; Strain, Fraser, Gallagher, Dunne, Tanser; Baccus, Erhahon, O'Hara; Main, Ayunga


SM words green background

We say: Motherwell 1-2 St Mirren

Motherwell's struggling home form will come up against a team that has found it difficult to secure three points on the road, which should lead to an interesting encounter.

However, it is St Mirren who have been the more impressive outfit this season, and that should see them earn the win.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data

ID:501913:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect10603:
Written by
Matthew Wilkinson

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Motherwell vs St Mirren

Motherwell
35.4%
Draw
30.8%
St Mirren
33.8%
65
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Rangers players look dejected after Mohammed Kudus scores for Ajax on November 1, 2022
Read Next:
Wednesday's Scottish Premiership predictions including Rangers vs. Hearts
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1715204844447
2RangersRangers17112429111835
3Aberdeen1810443125634
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd187742720728
5St Mirren198382630-427
6Motherwell188282331-826
7Hibernian195682631-521
8Kilmarnock195682335-1221
9Dundee185492733-619
10Ross County194691735-1818
11Hearts1944112129-816
12St Johnstone1942132236-1414


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!