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

Motherwell will be pushing to break into the top four of the Scottish Premiership when they host Ross County on Saturday.

The Staggies, meanwhile, currently find themselves in the relegation zone and head into this match on the back of five games without a win.

Match preview

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Motherwell are in the midst of a difficult period at the moment, having failed to pick up a win in their four previous matches which has led to the club slipping down to sixth in the table.

A big problem for the Steelmen has been in front of goal, as they did not score in three of those matches recently, which is something they now need to focus on.

Motherwell's recent woes were not helped last weekend when Lennon Miller was sent off, and the rest of his teammates were unable to hang on after that as Livingston scored twice to take the three points.

Stuart Kettlewell's men have been stronger in home fixtures throughout this season, and that is something that could provide them an edge in this match.

With a victory having the potential to take the team into the top four, there is plenty for them to play for, especially since a defeat would see their opponents draw level on points.

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Ross County have had a tough season so far, and much like Motherwell they are in a difficult run of form after undergoing five matches without a win.

The Staggies currently sit in the relegation zone and are just three points above bottom place, which places pressure on this particular fixture.

However, while Malky Mackay's men are fighting at the bottom of the division, a victory could take them as high as fifth depending on other results.

Ross County were able to end their four-match losing streak last weekend with a goalless draw against Dundee, providing a stronger performance overall.

However, the Staggies have been defensively poor in away matches season, having conceded eight times in three matches.

Team News

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Motherwell will be without Miller on Saturday due to suspension which will force at least one change to the starting XI which could lead to Davor Zdravkovski stepping in.

The Steelmen do have several injury problems though as Calum Butcher, Mika Biereth and Jon Obika are all on the sidelines at the moment.

After keeping a clean sheet last weekend it is unlikely any changes are made from a defensive perspective for Ross County this weekend.

Josh Reid and Ben Paton are unavailable at the moment for the Staggies due to injuries, but they were able to welcome Josh Sims back from the bench last weekend.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; Casey, Mugabi, McGinley; O'Donnell, Paton, Slattery, Miller, Spencer; Shaw, Bair

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Nightingale, Baldwin, Leak; Brown, Turner, Randall, Purrington; Samuel, Murray, Dhanda

We say: Motherwell 1-1 Ross County

This fixture brings two teams together who are completely out of form, therefore each will be hoping this is the perfect time to change their fortunes.

However, it could lead to them sharing the points in this match, especially since they have each been struggling.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.