Preview: St Mirren vs. Motherwell - prediction, team news, lineups

Motherwell breezed through the group stage without losing a game, while St Mirren progressed from Group H on goal difference.

Match preview

St Mirren began their Scottish League Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to third-tier outfit Montrose, but they managed to bounce back in their second match with a commanding 4-0 victory over Arbroath.

Cowendbeath were then edged out by a 1-0 scoreline, setting up a must-win game against fourth-tier Forfar Athletic.

As it proved, St Mirren made light work of their lower league opponents, cruising to a 4-0 to move to the top of the group on goal difference and seal their place in the knockout stages.

After going on to win their opening two games of the Scottish Premiership season against Hibernian and Dundee, Stephen Robinson's side head into Saturday's encounter off the back of five consecutive victories in all competitions.

They are now aiming to reach the quarter-finals for just the second time since winning their only and only Scottish League Cup trophy in 2013.

Motherwell have made an unbeaten start to the 2023-24 season, which began with a 2-0 victory over Elgin City in the first game of the Scottish League Cup.

They went on to pick up a bonus point in their second match against Queen of the South after playing out a goalless draw, before going on to wrap up the group stage with wins over Queens Park and East Fife.

After securing their passage to the knockout rounds with minimal fuss, The Well turned their attention to the Scottish Premiership, and they immediately got on the board with an opening day draw against Dundee.

Stuart Kettlewell's side continued their impressive form on Saturday when they edged out Hibernian via a 2-1 scoreline thanks to goals from Conor Wilkinson and Mike Biereth.

They will be aiming to record another victory this weekend, as they look to reach the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup for the second season in a row.

St Mirren Scottish League Cup form:

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St Mirren form (all competitions):

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Motherwell Scottish League Cup form:

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Motherwell form (all competitions):

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Team News

St Mirren have confirmed that Mark O'Hara is set for a short spell on the sidelines after scans revealed he sustained a thigh injury in training last week.

After claiming a 2-1 victory over Dundee last weekend, former Motherwell boss Robinson could be tempted to name an unchanged lineup for Saturday's cup tie.

Mikael Mandron joined on a free transfer from Motherwell this summer, and he will be looking to score against his former club this weekend.

As for the visitors, they are still unable to call upon the services of Calum Butcher, who remains sidelined with a foot injury.

Jonathan Obika returned from injury to feature as a late substitute against Hibernian, but he has suffered a setback and could be out for a longer term with a hamstring problem.

After coming off the bench to mark his debut with a goal last weekend, Mika Biereth could be rewarded with a starting opportunity.

St Mirren possible starting lineup:

Hemming; Fraser, Gogic, Taylor; Strain, Baccus, Boyd-Munce, Tanser; McMenamin, Kiltie; Mandron

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; McGinn, Mugabi, Casey; O'Donnell, Slattery, Miller, Spittal, Souare; Wilkinson, Biereth

We say: St Mirren 2-1 Motherwell

Both teams have enjoyed a promising start to the 2023-24 season, and with the two sides brimming with confidence, we think Saturday's encounter will be a close-fought contest.

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