Preview: Raith Rovers vs. Motherwell - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, are currently on a run of 11 games without a win in the Scottish Premiership.

Match preview

Raith Rovers progressed to a third consecutive final in the SPFL Trust Trophy on Wednesday night after a dramatic 4-3 victory on penalties over Dundee, meaning Ian Murray's side will face Hamilton Academical on March 26 in a bid to retain the cup.

That triumph extended the Rovers' unbeaten streak to 11 games, and they currently sit fifth in the Scottish Championship, amassing 33 points from 24 matches played. In fact, the last time Murray's side tasted defeat was against Hibernian back on December 8.

The Rovers have scored and shipped plenty of goals so far this term, finding the back of the net, and conceding, on 32 occasions. Only five teams have scored more, while four teams have conceded fewer.

Nevertheless, Rovers will still find it exceptionally tough against a team they have not beaten since 1996 - the last meeting between the two sides in 2007 resulted in Motherwell defeating a third tier Rovers side in the Scottish League Cup, despite an impressive performance from the visitors at Fir Park.

The last meeting between the two teams at Stark's Park was back in 1999 - once again in the League Cup - but this time the Rovers lost 5-4 on penalties.

As for Motherwell, they are in dire straits after a hopeless run of form since the World Cup break, so a cup tie may provide a welcomed distraction.

They are currently joint-bottom of the league alongside Dundee United, having taken just three points from a possible 24 since late December.

A 3-1 defeat away at Aberdeen last weekend proceeded this clash, meaning that the Steelmen have not tasted victory in the league since October. In fact, Steven Hammell's men have only earned one victory in their last 15 Premiership matches.

Scoring has not necessarily been an issue for the Steelmen since they have netted in 75% of league games, while they boast the joint-best defensive record in the bottom six. The nature of the goals concede has been the primary issue for the Well - of Motherwell's 14 league defeats, 10 of them have been by a single goal.

Hammell's job is undoubtedly in huge danger now, as fans have grown discontent with their former players' suitability to manage at this level while also questioning the attitude of the players on the pitch.

Raith Rovers Scottish Cup form:

W

Raith Rovers form (all competitions):

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D

W

D

W

W

Motherwell Scottish Cup form:

W

Motherwell form (all competitions):

L

D

W

L

L

L

Team News

Robbie Thomson, Adam Masson, Kieran Ngwenya, Connor McBride, Sam Stanton and William Akio all came into the starting XI for the Rovers in midweek, so Ian Murray may rotate his side for this weekend's clash.

Murray adopted a back five against Dundee, and may be tempted to stick with same formula against a side that are a division above them.

Lewis Vaughan and Jamie Gullan both missed the trip to Dens Park due to hamstring injuries, and it remains to be seen whether they will be fit enough for the weekend, while Greig Young and Scott McGill were both cup-tied on Wednesday so they could return to the fold here.

As for the visitors, Ricki Lamie, Shane Blaney and Bevis Mugabi are all remain on the treatment table, while new recruit Dan Casey has not played since late October.

The likes of Kevin van Veen and Callum Slattery could return to the starting XI for Motherwell after being left out against Aberdeen last weekend.

Raith Rovers possible starting lineup:

MacDonald; Millen, Nolan, Lang, Dick; Spencer, Brown; Connolly, Stanton, Easton; Gullan

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; McGinn, Lamie, O'Donnell; Johnston, Cornelius, Goss, Spittal, Furlong; Van Veen, Aitchison

We say: Raith Rovers 1-0 Motherwell

Raith Rovers are in brilliant form and will take confidence from reaching another cup final in midweek.

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