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

Motherwell will welcome St Johnstone to Fir Park for their first Scottish Premiership home fixture of the 2022-23 season on Saturday.

While the Steelmen secured maximum points away at St Mirren last weekend, the Saints suffered a narrow defeat on home soil to Hibernian.

Match preview

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After losing 3-0 on aggregate to Sligo Rovers in the second round of Europa Conference League qualifying, Motherwell bounced back to win 1-0 away at St Mirren on the opening weekend of the new Premiership season.

Kevin van Veen converted from the penalty spot three minutes before half time, and despite the dismissal of Ricki Lamie in the closing stages, the Steelman held on to claim all three points.

Steven Hammell, who has been placed in temporary charge following the surprise sacking of Graham Alexander on the eve of the new campaign, expressed his delight for the away support received in Paisley and hopes that the Fir Park faithful will be out in full force to spur them on this weekend.

Motherwell, who finished fifth in the Premiership last season, have only won one of their last six meetings with St Johnstone, although that victory was their most recent home clash against them, a 2-0 win in December last year.

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St Johnstone, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, began the 2022-23 campaign with a slender 1-0 defeat at home to Hibs last weekend.

With the game goalless, the hosts were reduced to 10 men when captain Murray Davidson was shown a straight red card just before the hour mark for a late tackle on Ryan Porteous, before substitute Josh Campbell snatched all three points for the visitors with their only effort on target in the 90th minute.

Prior to Saturday's defeat, Callum Davidson's men were unable to progress to the knockout rounds of the Scottish League Cup, after winning two and losing two of their four group-stage matches and they subsequently finished third behind lower-league opposition.

The Saints have struggled across all competitions since the turn of the year, winning only six of their 24 competitive matches. Davidson will be hoping that his side can turn their fortunes around this weekend against Motherwell, who they claimed four points against in three league games last season.

Team News

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Motherwell left-back Nathan McGinley remains sidelined with injury, while Lamie will serve a one-match suspension following his red card last weekend.

Jake Carroll is expected to start again at left-back in McGinley's absence and Bevis Mugabi is the most likely candidate to replace Lamie at centre-back.

Van Veen is set to lead the line and he could be joined in attack by Josh Morris and Connor Shields.

As for St Johnstone, Chris Kane and David Wotherspoon are both set to remain sidelined with injuries, while Murray Davidson is suspended.

Cameron MacPherson could be called up to replace Davidson, joining Melker Hallberg in centre-midfield.

Striker Stevie May and full-back James Brown will both be pushing to start after beginning on the bench last weekend.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; McGinn, Solholm Johansen, Mugabi, Carroll; Maguire, Morris, Spittal, Goss, Shields; Van Veen

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Matthews; McGowan, Mitchell, Considine; Brown, MacPherson, Hallberg, Montgomery; Carey, Murphy; May

We say: Motherwell 2-1 St Johnstone

There has been little to separate these two sides in recent meetings and another closely-fought contest is expected on Saturday.

Although St Johnstone came out on top the last time that these two teams locked horns in March, we feel that Motherwell will do enough to secure all three points on home soil.

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