Motherwell v Saints Preview

Last updated : 03 November 2006 By Stuart Gillespie
They've only lost to Celtic in the past few weeks and managed to get a draw at Ibrox - although considering how bad Rangers are that might not actually be that impressive! All this is a great change since the opening weeks of the season, when they were beaten 2-0 at Love Street and hammered 4-0 by Caley Thistle at Fir Park.

John Sutton scored in the win in August and has once again had to cope with questions and speculation about his future. The in form striker has scored three goals in two games and that - combined with the fact he is out of contract in the summer - has provided much copy for the Scottish media. Well, I suppose it's better than the constant references to his brother. Sutton knows he'll be able to find himself a new club with ease if he ends up leaving in the summer, meaning he has nothing to worry about and doesn't need to let the uncertainty trouble him.

Sutton's strike partner tomorrow could be one of three players. In recent weeks, it's been Billy Mehmet. However, Stewart Kean is now fit again, whilst Alex Burke did well when he came off the bench last week. There's also an outside chance Mark Corcoran could be unleashed on Motherwell again, however he didn't feature last week and was poor in the reserves at the beginning of this one.

Chances are it will be the same starting eleven again, although Garry Brady could return after his surprise absence from the starting eleven last week. Ian Maxwell is the only absentee through injury, although it seems unlikely that John Potter will return - even though he's played in each of the last three reserve games.

Motherwell were dealt a blow yesterday with the news that on fire striker Scott McDonald has been put of action for at least a fortnight with an injury. This is pretty good news for Saints as he would have caused us no end of problems tomorrow. However, a strike force comprising of the likes of Calum Elliot, Richie Foran and Ross McCormack won't be that easy to deal with!

We once again come up against former Saint Steven McGarry tomorrow, who has scored only one goal since signing for Motherwell in January. He also helpfully ducked out of the way of our second goal at Love Street in August! Despite this, he did break his duck for Ross County against us a few years ago and will probably fancy his chances of shutting up a few of his old mates tomorrow.