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

Dundee United remain rooted to the foot of the Scottish Premiership table despite last weekend's victory, while Motherwell occupy eighth place following back-to-back wins.

Match preview

The Motherwell hierarchy had little choice but to part company with manager Steven Hammell following a run of 11 league games without a win, as the Steelmen took just four points from a possible 33 during that period.

Hammell was sacked on February 11, with Stuart Kettlewell coming in as interim manager, but the former Ross County boss was swiftly given the job on a permanent basis after guiding his new team to back-to-back victories.

In fact, Kettlewell has completely transformed Motherwell's fortunes since arriving at Fir Park, losing just one of his seven matches while picking up five wins to lift the club to eighth in the table - nine points clear of the bottom two.

Following wins over St Mirren and Hearts, Kettlewell inspired away victories at Ross County and Hibernian before last weekend's 3-0 triumph over Livingston, with in-form striker Kevin van Veen bagging his third brace in four games.

Having helped the Steelmen win three of their last four home matches - netting nine goals across his previous eight appearances - Van Veen could fire Kettlewell's men into the top six if he continues his scoring streak.

Funnily enough, Dundee United recently endured an 11-match winless run of their own, with Liam Fox overseeing five consecutive defeats before being replaced by Jim Goodwin in the Tannadice hot seat.

After losing his first game to former club Aberdeen, Goodwin led the Tangerines to 1-1 draws with Livingston and St Mirren before losing 2-0 to Rangers, but the new boss finally picked up a much-needed win last time out.

Steven Fletcher gave Dundee United an early lead against Hibs before Mykola Kukharevych equalised midway through the second half, but Jamie McGrath converted a 90th-minute penalty to hand his side the victory.

Still, there is no hiding the fact that Dundee United remain rock bottom of the table with the worst defensive record, and they also hold the division's second-worst away record, having won just one of their 15 away games this season.

With four defeats coming in their last five outings on the road - and seven losses coming in their previous 10 - the Tangerines must improve on their travels if they are serious about avoiding relegation.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

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D

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L

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W

Dundee United Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

D

D

L

W

Team News

Jake Carroll, Nathan McGinley, Jonathan Obika and Joseph Efford are all currently sidelined due to injury, leaving Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell light on options in both attack and defence.

That said, Kevin van Veen has shone in the absence of Obika and Efford, scoring 22 goals in 37 games across all competitions this season.

Having kept three clean sheets across the past six matches, the Steelmen will continue to line up with Paul McGinn, Calum Butcher and Dan Casey in defence, ahead of goalkeeper Liam Kelly.

Dundee United are still without Glenn Middleton and Peter Pawlett due to muscle injuries, while Dylan Levitt and Liam Smith are also on the sidelines.

Steven Fletcher scored his eighth goal of the campaign last time out, so the veteran striker will continue to lead the line on Saturday, with Wigan Athletic loanee Jamie McGrath offering support from midfield.

Craig Sibbald is expected to keep his place in Dundee United's XI after starting eight consecutive matches, while Kieran Freeman is likely to continue at right-back.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; McGinn, Butcher, Casey; Johnston, Goss, Cornelius, Furlong; Spittal; Van Veen, Mandron

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Birighitti; Freeman, Ayina, Mulgrew, McMann; Sibbald; Fotheringham, Harkes, McGrath, Behich; Fletcher

We say: Motherwell 2-0 Dundee United

Having taken their game to another level under Stuart Kettlewell, Motherwell look set to claim a sixth victory in eight matches when lowly Dundee United visit Fir Park, with the Tangerines expected to suffer a fifth defeat in six away outings.

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