Motherwell vs Inverness Prediction – with second place still a possibility, Motherwell will want to overcome the challenge of visiting St Johnston

While the first place position in the Scottish Premier League might well have been settled weeks ago (if it was ever in doubt), the battle for second and third has the potential to go right to the wire. Aberdeen are slightly ahead, but Motherwell know that they will need points on the board in order to overcome their inferior goal difference while hoping their rivals drop points. Standing in their way are Inverness. After a middling season, the club are hoping that a few victories over the larger teams in the run-in can give their fans something to cheer about. A visit to the third place team might be a little bit much, with the team likely to remain ahead of St Johnston despite a goal difference of minus one. With both teams lining up with two banks of four in midfield and defence, Inverness’s propensity to drop a striker deeper might help them wrest control of the middle of the park, while Motherwell’s dual strikers are a constant goal threat.

Form

Motherwell have slipped several times in recent weeks, though have gotten back on track with a victory over St Johnston in the previous round. Two losses in their last five leave them a point behind rivals Aberdeen, who are shedding points on draws but suffering comparatively few losses. This gung-ho attitude from Motherwell has led to only two draws in their last ten, with the team likely to gamble everything and either get all three points or none at all. After a run of a two losses and a draw, the ability to get back on track with consecutive wins will be seen as an important opportunity to turn it all around.

Inverness, conversely have only managed two wins from their last ten. A six nil loss to Celtic might be seen as somewhat expected, though it will have done nothing to improve the confidence of their defence. Having lost to Motherwell twice in recent months, the team might be itching to set the record straight, though will be just as aware of the dangers which their opponents will pose.

Team News

Looking to build on their most recent result and forget their poor run, Motherwell will hope that they will be able to see the return of Lee Hollis in goal after a recent knock, though the match might come too soon for the fitness of Simon Ramsden, Paul Lawson and Stuart Carswell. Sutton and McFadden are expected to start together up front and will likely be able to cause some trouble for the Inverness defence after doing the same in the previous meetings between the clubs.

Inverness will continue to be without the services of their captain Richie Foran following knee surgery. They will, however, be facing the possible return of David Raven and James Vincent, though a place on the bench might be more likely for the pair as they return to fitness. Marley Watkins should be fit for the match after being struck by a case of the flu in recent weeks.

Motherwell

P36 W20 D04 L12

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Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2): Hollis; Reid, Hutchinson, McManus, Hammell; Ainsworth, Lasley, Vigurs, Francis-Angol; Sutton, McFadden.

Inverness

P36 W15 D09 L12

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Predicted Line-Up (4-4-1-1): Brill; Shinnie, Devine, Tremarco, Williams; Watkins, Tansey, Draper, Doran; Christie; McKay

Prediction: Motherwelll 2 – 1 Inverness

When in the mood, Motherwell can score goals and against a middling Inverness team, they will be hoping for a result at home.