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

While Livingston now sit in seventh position in the Scottish Premiership standings, Motherwell are in eighth, six points adrift of the visitors.

Match preview

Livingston entered the turn of the year looking more likely to challenge Hearts for third place than drop out of contention for European contention.

However, David Martindale's side have been poor since the end of January, only collecting eight points from a nine-game period in the top flight.

As a result, Livingston find themselves outside of the top six by one point, and Martindale will acknowledge that his side must raise their game at Fir Park this weekend.

In picking up four points from matches versus Dundee United and Ross County, there had been signs of a revival, yet they were routinely beaten 3-0 at St Mirren last time out.

Livingston have lost eight of their 14 away fixtures in the top flight during 2022-23, not ideal ahead of a visit to opponents who remain very much on an upward trajectory.

Stuart Kettlewell was under pressure to show that he deserved the position on a full-time basis when he was initially handed the reins.

There is now no doubt that it was the correct move by the Motherwell hierarchy, Kettlewell delivering 13 points from six matches to move the club away from the relegation zone.

Although Kettlewell will want to further extend the nine-point advantage over the bottom two, his players can now perform with more freedom, aware that the hard work is arguably already done.

Motherwell still possess the worst home record in the division, yet they pushed Rangers all the way in their thrilling tussle on March 18, sharing four goals by the hour mark before eventually losing by a 4-2 scoreline.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

D

W

L

W

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

L

D

W

L

Team News

Kettlewell is unlikely to make any unforced changes as Motherwell look to extend their recent impressive form.

The only alteration could see Callum Slattery, suspended for the last match, return in central midfield ahead of Dean Cornelius.

Stephen O'Donnell is an alternative in either wing-back area if Kettelwell wants to add a different look on the flank.

Martindale is expected to make numerous changes to his Livingston XI with Cristian Montano among those who can expect a recall.

At least one of Stephen Kelly and Stephane Omeonga should also be drafted into midfield.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

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

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Devlin, Lucas, Fitzwater, Boyes, Montano; Omeonga, Shinnie, Pittman; Nouble, Guthrie

We say: Motherwell 1-1 Livingston

The form book is very much with Motherwell, who look like they will comfortably avoid relegation after their previous concerns. Nevertheless, Livingston may do enough to claim a draw, even though it will not necessarily help them in the race for the top six.

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