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Ross County
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 16
Dec 5, 2023 at 7.45pm UK
Global Energy Stadium
Motherwell logo

Ross County
3 - 0
Motherwell

Murray (2'), Dhanda (18'), Purrington (56')
White (43'), Nightingale (88')
Nightingale (90+2')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Spittal (20'), Gent (69')

Preview: Ross County vs. Motherwell - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Tuesday's Scottish Premiership clash between Ross County and Motherwell, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Locked together on points in the Scottish Premiership standings, Ross County and Motherwell meet in Dingwall on Tuesday evening.

The hosts have a game in hand after their weekend clash with Livingston was called off due to freezing conditions, while their visitors snatched a late point in a six-goal thriller.


Match preview

Bradford City manager Derek Adams pictured on August 11, 2021© Reuters

Ross County have been in the ascendant after a fine start by new boss Derek Adams, who is back for a third spell at Victoria Park, but their momentum was quelled by the wintry weather that descended on Scotland at the weekend.

Following a pitch inspection on Saturday morning, the Staggies' Premiership match against rock-bottom Livingston was postponed, as the artificial surface at the Tony Macaroni Arena remained frozen.

They do not have long to wait before their next game, though, as Adams seeks to continue his team's upswing since the former Morecambe manager took over from Malky Mackay during the most recent international break.

County had been level with Livi at the bottom of the table, but a goalless draw against Kilmarnock was then followed by a very welcome victory last time out.

Jordan White's late winner saw the Staggies claim maximum points versus high-flying St Mirren to move them further away from trouble, and they now meet a side they drew 3-3 with in October's dramatic reverse fixture.

Motherwell salvaged a point in stoppage time when they welcomed Ross County to Fir Park just a few weeks ago, with Luca Ross netting a late leveller to finish off an eventful encounter.

Remarkably, the Steelmen now travel to Dingwall having just repeated that feat, by virtue of Connor Wilkinson's 97th-minute equaliser at home to Dundee on Saturday afternoon.

After finding themselves 2-1 down at half time and lacking any rhythm, Stuart Kettlewell's 10-man team struck back at the death, but they are now winless in 11 league games - losing on seven occasions.

Motherwell last tasted success in mid-September, so heading into their second December fixture they will be desperate to end that streak against a fellow Scottish Premiership struggler.

After taking an unlikely point away from Celtic Park and then fighting back for a 3-3 draw at the weekend, the North Lanarkshire club moved further clear of the bottom two, but an overdue victory will be their sole objective on Tuesday.

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:


Team News

While Ross County hope to have Josh Sims available again following illness, striker Eamonn Brophy is not yet ready to return from a foot injury.

Jordan White netted County's winner last week, and after scoring his fifth goal of the season, the 31-year-old should start up front again, partnered by Simon Murray and supported by playmaker Yan Dhanda.

Motherwell, meanwhile, must make at least one change to the XI that lined up against Dundee, as Harry Paton's red card results in a suspension. Callum Slattery returns from a one-match ban, so Stuart Kettlewell could opt for a straight swap in midfield.

Jonathan Obika started on Saturday, having come off the bench and grabbed a late equaliser at Celtic Park, so should continue up front.

Both Paul McGinn and 17-year-old starlet Lennon Miller remain sidelined by injury, while Pape Souare is a long-term absentee.


Ross County possible starting lineup:
Laidlaw; Nightingale, Baldwin, Leak; Brown, Randall, Allardice, Purrington; Dhanda; White, Murray

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Casey, Mugabi, Blaney; O'Donnell, Spencer, Butcher, Slattery, Spittal; Obika, Biereth


SM words green background

We say: Ross County 1-0 Motherwell

Moving above their visitors in the Premiership standings, Ross County can continue their improvement under returning boss Derek Adams and secure three precious points; Motherwell's long wait for a win will go on.


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


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Written by
Jonathan O'Shea

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Game History

How you voted: Ross County vs Motherwell

Ross County
66.7%
Draw
28.6%
Motherwell
4.8%
21
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1514104444043
2RangersRangers1611232891935
3Aberdeen17104331211034
4Motherwell178272327-426
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd166642519624
6St Mirren187382429-524
7Dundee175482730-319
8Hibernian184682430-618
9Kilmarnock184681935-1618
10Ross County183691435-2115
11St Johnstone1742112032-1214
12Hearts1734101826-813


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