Dundee vs Motherwell Prediction – Playoff six pointer as fifth and sixth clash at the DW Stadium  

In their previous match, Motherwell managed to demonstrate both their biggest strength and their biggest weakness. Their goal scorers put them two goals up against a Celtic side who had already been crowned champions, but their porous defence managed to ship three goals. Only a late equalizer saved face and turned it into a decent enough result. With a goal difference of five, it is easy to see why Motherwell have failed to move into second place, but their closest rivals for third, Dundee, present them with the next challenge. Dundee might see this as their last big chance to move into third place and discover the possibilities of Europa League football next season. Playing in an en vogue 4-2-3-1, Dundee could find the space between the lines necessary to exploit the attacking 4-4-2 which leaks so many goals. They will need to watch for the pair of strikers however, how have enough to challenge anyone in the division on their day.

Motherwell’s recent draw against Celtic has been an indication of the improved form which they have been showing when compared to Aberdeen. Despite two losses in their last five, the team have still taken more points than the team in second place and they will be hoping that this is enough to place them into second come the end of the season. With the worst defensive record in the top six, however, this run is entirely built on scoring goals and if the strike force have an off day, Motherwell could find themselves in trouble.

In the last few games, Dundee might have seen their realistic chances for third place slip away. Two losses and a draw has been enough to open up a seven point gap between themselves and Motherwell, though victory here could close that to four. With a superior goal difference to their rivals, this is likely the last chance for Dundee to make up any real ground on the third place and they will need to overcome recent bad results if they are to pull out a victory.

Team News

Motherwell will be hoping to see the return of goalkeeper Lee Hollis, who has been absent in recent weeks through injury. While he might be still struggling for full fitness, his inclusion could go some way to stopping the recent leaking of goals which has blighted the side. Ramsden, Lawson and Carswell are all likely to remain out and Lasley and Hutchinson have recently been suspended. The team will be relying on John Sutton for the goals after he got two against Celtic in the previous round.

United have injury doubts of their own, with Good and Butcher definitely ruled out. The fitness of Paton and Robertson remains in question and it might be too soon for either to feature for the full ninety minutes. A brief hour or a start from the bench might be necessary in order to accommodate for their lack of match fitness.

Dundee

P34 W15 D09 L10
WWDLL

Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1): Cierzniak; Watson, Gunning, Souttar, Robertson; Paton, Rankin; Mackay-Steven, Gauld, Armstrong; Ciftci

Motherwell

P34 W19 D04 L11
WLWLD

Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2): Nielsen; Reid, Hutchinson, McManus, Hammell; Leitch, Kerr, Vigurs, Francis-Angol; Sutton, Anier

Prediction: Dundee 2 - 3 Motherwell

Motherwell cannot rely on their defence, but their strike force could be enough to get the points needed to secure second place.