Preview: Motherwell vs. Aberdeen - prediction, team news, lineups

However, they will face stern competition as the hosts head into this weekend on the back of consecutive victories.

Match preview

Motherwell currently sits eighth in the table after a season of inconsistencies, and that is something that the club is looking to change heading into the next section of the campaign.

The Steelmen have showcased their ability to change that with consecutive victories heading into this weekend against teams at opposing ends of the table.

Motherwell comfortably defeated bottom-placed Livingston 3-1, and they then followed it up with a very impressive 2-1 win against the current league leaders in their most recent outing.

Theo Bair had given them the lead against Rangers until a James Tavernier penalty saw them draw level, but Dan Casey ended up getting a 75th-minute winner as the Steelmen showcased their quality.

Another victory this weekend could see them overtake Hibernian in the league table should Hibees slip up, giving them plenty of incentive heading into Saturday.

It has been a season to forget for Aberdeen so far, with things seemingly going from bad to worse as the campaign has progressed which has left the club in a major relegation battle.

Neil Warnock's time in charge drew to a close before the Dons took on Dundee which left Leven in charge as the interim manager, and the pressure is firmly on him until a full-time replacement is brought in.

Considering Aberdeen are just three points above the relegation playoff position right now there is very little margin for error with each game, and that is something they will be wary of heading into Saturday.

The Dons showcased a much stronger performance in midweek against Dundee, when only a 66th-minute penalty stopped them from taking at least a point.

However, it was Aberdeen's fifth-straight defeat in away games, which is a run of form they need to change immediately to try and push away from the bottom two places in the table.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

W

D

L

L

W

W

Motherwell form (all competitions):

L

D

L

L

W

W

Aberdeen Scottish Premiership form:

D

D

L

L

L

L

Aberdeen form (all competitions):

D

L

L

L

W

L

Team News

Slobodan Rubezic remains an injury problem for the visitors due to a knee issue, and he will not be available for selection until next month at the earliest.

James McGarry and Ryan Duncan were brought back to the bench by Leven, and both men could be pushing for further opportunities this weekend.

The visitors have had a lengthy break since their last game which took place on March 2nd, which should allow them to bring a squad with plenty of fitness which could be an advantage.

The Steelmen do have several injuries to contend with though as Callum Slattery, Harry Paton and Andrew Halliday have all been unavailable as late.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; Mugabi, Casey, McGinn; O'Donnell, Zdravkovski, Miller, Devine; Nicholson, Spittal; Bair

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Roos; Devlin, Gartenmann, Jensen, MacKenzie; Barron, Shinnie, Hoilett, McGrath, Sokler; Miovski

We say: Motherwell 2-0 Aberdeen

Aberdeen might be trying their hardest to try and turn the season around and avoid relegation, but this fixture is likely not going to be the one where points start coming.

Motherwell should have too much power and quality for the Dons to handle, particularly with the lack of confidence the away side boasts.

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