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

Motherwell welcome defeated League Cup finalists Livingston to Lanarkshire on Saturday for an intriguing Scottish Premiership clash.

The bubble seems to have well and truly burst for David Martindale's team, and they will be looking to get back on form as they attempt to seal a top-six league finish.

Match preview

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Graham Alexander's Steelmen have picked up four important points in their last two games, and are now seven points clear of the relegation zone.

A goalless draw at St Mirren on February 24 was followed up last weekend with a fine 2-0 win at Hibernian.

They have a good chance of improving their recent run this weekend against Livi, if history is anything to go by.

The Steelmen have not lost in 19 of their last 21 matches against the West Lothian outfit in all competitions.

They have also scored at least two goals in their last four home matches against Livingston in all competitions, so supporters should feel at least somewhat optimistic.

There is sure to be something of an emotional atmosphere at Fir Park too, after the passing this week of club legend Ian St John.

There will be no fans in the ground due to COVID-19, but club chairman Jim McMahon has stated that as soon as fans return a proper tribute will be paid to the club's legendary former striker.

Livingston were beaten 1-0 in last weekend's League Cup final by St Johnstone, and followed that result up with another 1-0 defeat in midweek.

That loss came at the hands of league leaders Rangers, and Martindale now has to do some work to re-inject momentum into his team's campaign.

He was certainly happy enough with the performance of his players against the Gers, though obviously disappointed with the result.

He was pleased with the way that his team's resilience and organisation forced Rangers into playing long balls for much of the game, but they will need to be more creative against 'Well.

Livi have not scored many goals in recent weeks, and have not won since they beat Aberdeen 2-0 on February 2. That kind of form does not make them certainties for the top six.

Sixth-placed St Mirren are now just a point behind Martindale's men, with Dundee United in pursuit too, so there is work for the Lions to do if they are serious about finishing in the top half of the table.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

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Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

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Livingston form (all competitions):

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Team News

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Motherwell still have a pretty long injury list, with goalkeepers Trevor Carson and Scott Fox out for the season.

Liam Donnelly is nearing a return from a knee injury, while Bevis Mugabi is also close to full recovery from a shoulder problem.

Sherwin Seedorf is still sidelined with a knee problem, while Mark O'Hara did not feature against Hibs as he recovers from a non-COVID-19 illness.

Declan Gallagher returned to the squad for the Hibs game and played from the bench, an incident that has been rumoured to have triggered an extension clause in the Scotland defender's contract.

Jake Carroll went off with a head injury after a clash with a Hibs player but he is expected to be fit this weekend.

For Livingston, Keaghan Jacobs and Alan Lithgow are closing in on returns from foot and hip injuries respectively.

David Martindale has no other injury or suspension concerns ahead of the game.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; O'Donnell, Magloire, Lamie, Carroll; Campbell, Crawford, Maguire; Roberts, Cole, Watt

Livingston possible starting lineup:

Stryjek; Devlin, Fitzwater, Guthrie, Serrano; Holt, Bartley; Mullin, Sibbald, Pittman; Reilly

We say: Motherwell 1-0 Livingston

Motherwell have picked up some form at an important time in the season and it looks likely that they will add to their two-game unbeaten run this weekend.

Livi's season has hit a bump in the road and it will be interesting to see how they cope with another likely setback in Lanarkshire on Saturday.