Motherwellvs.St Johnstone

The hosts still have the opportunity to finish one place higher in the table, but the focus will certainly be on the visitors in this game.

Match preview

With two wins and defeats since the Scottish Premiership split, Motherwell have been inconsistent throughout their performances in the relegation group.

However, the Steelmen do head into this weekend with the potential of still finishing above Hibernian, but they will require three points as a minimum on Sunday.

On top of that Stuart Kettlewell's team will also need the Hibees to slip up in their respective match, although the focus for him will simply be on finishing the season with three points.

Motherwell were defeated 3-0 by Hibernian in midweek, which is a result that fans will be eager to see their team put behind them to end the season in style.

The Steelmen have been the draw specialists of the Scottish Premiership in this campaign, with only Kilmarnock managing to match them in that department, but wrapping things up with a home win would set the team up nicely for next season.

The visitors have a lot more on the line heading into this weekend though as anything but a win will guarantee that they are involved in the relegation playoff match.

While a victory might not be enough to secure their survival, focusing on getting that as a minimum is the key for the Saints on Sunday.

A draw for Ross County would lead to things going down to goal difference, while a win for the Staggies would secure St Johnstone in the relegation playoff position regardless of what they do.

The Saints rescued a point against Ross County in midweek to keep themselves in the fight heading into this weekend as Adama Sidibeh scored a 90th-minute equaliser.

But the visitors will need to step it up this time around, although they have failed to win in their previous five outings.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

W

D

L

W

W

L

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

W

L

L

L

L

D

Team News

Kettlewell could make several changes to his side after the disappointing 3-0 loss in midweek, with Harry Paton and Davor Zdravkovski being in contention to start from the first whistle this time around.

The 3-4-2-1 formation is unlikely to be tweaked though, with the Steelmen maintaining that to provide the ideal balance within the team.

For the visitors, Sidibeh should retain his place up front after scoring his fourth goal of the season in midweek as he aims to fire the Saints to safety on Sunday.

Top goalscorer Nicky Clark should find himself just behind in the number 10 role, while Stevie May will bring his experience to the midfield.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; Casey, McGinn, Blaney; O'Donnell, Halliday, Miller, Gent; Paton, Spittal; Bair

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Mitov; Wright, McGowan, Gordon, Keltjens; Smith, MacPherson; Carey, Clark, May; Sidibeh

We say: Motherwell 1-2 St Johnstone

With so much on the line for St Johnstone, they will likely be able to pull out an important three points here, even though it is guaranteed to be a close game.

Whether that victory is enough to guarantee their Scottish Premiership status for another year will remain to be seen though.

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