Preview: Motherwell vs. Ross County - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one following a narrow loss at home to Hibernian, whilst the visitors lost at home to Livingston, who sit fifth in the league.

Match preview

Motherwell sit 10th in the Scottish Premiership after a frustrating campaign so far, having won just five times all season, and could be dragged into a relegation battle if results do not improve.

Their home record has been particularly awful, winning just once at home so far this season, drawing twice and losing six times at Fir Park.

The Steelmen's away form is the third best in the league after Celtic and Rangers, with their four wins, two draws and five defeats on the road providing 14 of the 19 points that they have obtained so far.

However, the last time Steven Hammell's side won away was against Dundee United in late October, they have played five away games since.

Some encouragement will come from the fact that their last meeting with Ross County, who are rock-bottom of the league, was a 5-0 away victory in early October.

The Staggies are only three points behind the hosts despite that defeat, and the fact that they are winless in their last six matches following victories over St Mirren and Hibernian.

A goal difference of minus 20 is the worst in the division, and they will rapidly need to improve results if they want to avoid relegation to the second tier.

Goals are something that Ross County struggle with - they have scored the fewest goals in the entire Scottish Premiership, with just 14 in 21 games, and only five of those coming on the road.

Former Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay faces a tough job to turn the club's form around, although a victory could move them level on points with Dundee United, who occupy the relegation playoff spot.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

L

D

D

L

D

L

Motherwell form (all competitions):

D

L

D

L

D

L

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

L

L

D

L

Team News

For the hosts, Louis Moult returned to parent club Burton Albion last week as a result of a long-term ankle injury.

Bevis Mugabi should miss out through a knee issue, Joseph Efford will likely also miss the contest due to a thigh strain and Nathan McGinley is also not expected to be ready to return.

Malky Mackay should have the same set of players to pick from as the defeat to Livingston, but for one addition.

Ross County are without long-term absentees Ben Purrington and Alex Samuel, but Yan Dhanda should return after a knock kept him out of the loss against Livingston.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; McGinn, Lamie, Johansen, Penney; Goss, Slattery, Cornelius; Shields, Van Veen, Spittal

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Randall, Watson, Iacovitti, Harmon; Callachan, Tillson, Johnson, Olaigbe, Dhanda; White

We say: Motherwell 2-0 Ross County

Despite their woes at home so far this season, Motherwell won the reverse fixture by five goals without reply, and that cannot be ignored, even with their decline in form.

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