Preview: Dundee United vs. Motherwell - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one off the back of a defeat to St Mirren last week, while the visitors are also looking to bounce back following a loss to Aberdeen.

Match preview

Dundee United have made a poor start to the 2022-23 campaign and sit 11th in the Premiership table with 12 matches played under Liam Fox.

The manager had initially made a positive beginning to his spell in charge of Dundee United, losing just two of his first seven matches in all competitions.

Nevertheless, results have recently started to falter, leaving the Terrors now without a win in three games courtesy of a draw to Ross County and consecutive losses against Kilmarnock and St Mirren away from home.

Returning to Tannadice this weekend may be the ideal tonic for Dundee United to get their season back on track, as they have won their last two home fixtures against Aberdeen and Hibernian.

Fox will need to take inspiration from their previous endeavours at home when they take on Motherwell as he aims to guide Dundee United away from the relegation playoff position.

Motherwell travel to Tayside in a poor run of form, winning just one of their last nine encounters in the Scottish Premiership - against Ross County earlier this month.

The Steelmen occupy eighth position in the table and could move as high as sixth in the division with a win over Dundee United at the weekend.

Last time out, Motherwell were on the receiving end of a narrow 2-1 defeat to Aberdeen at Fir Park, with goals from Bojan Miovski and Luis Lopes cancelling out a Stuart McKinstry equaliser.

They have endured a frustrating time of things in the league recently under Steven Hammell, losing their last three league matches by a single goal despite competing well during those fixtures.

Motherwell will hope to go one better this time around and claim an important three points at Tannadice on Saturday.

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

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Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

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Team News

Dundee United duo Tony Watt and Dylan Levitt should be able to shake off minor knocks sustained in the defeat to St Mirren last weekend in time for the Motherwell clash on Saturday.

Peter Pawlett is nearing full fitness though it is unclear whether he will be involved against Motherwell.

For the visitors, Louis Moult, Rolando Aarons and Nathan McGinley could all miss out at Tannadice due to injuries that have seen them miss several matches.

Jake Carroll is out owing to a long-term knee injury, while Paul McGinn risks suspension if he picks up a booking during the fixture.

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Eriksson; Smith, Edwards, McMann; Niskanen, Djoum, Sibbald, Middleton, Behich; McGrath; Watt

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; McGinn, Solholm Johansen, Lamie, Penney; Goss, Slattery; Spittal, Tierney, McKinstry; Van Veen

We say: Dundee United 2-1 Motherwell

In a game that holds significance towards the bottom end of the table, both sides will be desperate to put their imprint on proceedings to secure three points.

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