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

Two teams at opposite ends of the Scottish Premiership will meet on Saturday, with ninth-placed Motherwell hosting Kilmarnock, who sit in fourth.

Each will be pushing for points for vastly different reasons and will be keen to get back to winning ways following draws in their most recent outings.

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Match preview

Motherwell might be sat just three points above the relegation zone at the moment, but their league position does not reflect the recent form of the Steelmen.

Stuart Kettlewell's men are undefeated in their past four matches in all competitions, with three positive results in the Scottish Premiership helping to push them away from the bottom two positions in the table.

Motherwell were caught napping at the start of their most recent match as St Johnstone scored in the third minute, but Theo Bair was on hand to score an equaliser to keep that run going.

While the Steelmen might be a long way from where they would realistically like to be, three points this weekend could see them draw level with Aberdeen should the Dons slip up.

Motherwell have proven to be a much stronger team when playing at home this season, with three of their four league wins taking place at Fir Park, proving the impact that the crowd seems to have on them.

These two teams have already met twice this season, boasting one victory each, which should lead to this being another closely-contested game.

However, Kilmarnock are a much more confident side now than when the two teams met at the start of the campaign due to how well they have performed throughout the season.

Even though Killie currently sit fourth in the table they have struggled when it comes to winning away games as they have only picked up three points twice on the road.

That is something that Derek McInnes will want to see his team improve upon in the second half of the season, and it will be crucial should they have any hope of closing the gap on those above them.

There are 10 points between them and Hearts as it stands, which is why Kilmarnock fans might be more concerned about the fact St Mirren could go level on points with them this weekend if results do not go their way.

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Team News

Andy Halliday walked straight into the starting lineup for Motherwell last time out after joining the club from Hearts on loan, and he should retain his place in the heart of the midfield.

However, Dan Casey, Shane Blaney and Jon Obika were all unavailable for the Steelmen's draw against St Mirren and remain doubtful heading into this weekend.

McInnes will be forced into making at least one change from the team that started against Hibernian last time out due to Corrie Ndaba being sent off in that fixture.

Robbie Deas is also absent after sustaining a fractured jaw in the same match, which will result in him missing several weeks of action.

Motherwell possible starting lineup: Kelly; O'Donnell, McGinn, Mugabi, Butcher, Gent; Zdravkovski, Miller, Montgomery; Bair, Spittal

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup: Dennis; Wright, Mayo, Findlay, Davies; McKenzie, Donnelly, Polworth; Armstrong, Vassell, Kennedy

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We say: Motherwell 1-1 Kilmarnock

Games between these two teams have proven to be close this season and it has been clear that each team knows how to cause problems for the other.

Considering the impressive form that Motherwell are enjoying as of late, they could end up sharing the spoils with Kilmarnock.

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

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