Motherwell and Dundee United, separated by only one position in the Scottish Premiership table, are set to face off at Fir Park on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts are fifth in the standings with 22 points after 15 fixtures, while the visitors are sitting fourth in the table with 24 points from their opening 15 games.
Match preview
![Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell during the Premier Sports Cup Group G match at Fir Park against Partick Thistle on 28/07/2024[on August 1, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/31/stuart-kettlewell.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell during the Premier Sports Cup Group G match at Fir Park against Partick Thistle on 28/07/2024[on August 1, 2024]")
© Imago
Having finished in the bottom half of the table in each of the last two seasons, placing seventh in 2022-23 and ninth in 2023-24, Motherwell will be delighted with their start to the 2024-25 campaign.
Stuart Kettlewell's side currently sit fifth in the standings with 22 points after 15 outings, from seven wins, one draw and seven defeats, leaving them four ahead of seventh-placed St Mirren, who have also played a game more than the Steelmen.
A brilliant opening to the term saw Kettlewell's outfit lose only three of their first 13 fixtures across all competitions, drawing one and winning nine in that time.
However, they have experienced a slight dip in form in recent weeks, losing six of their last nine matches and securing only three wins during that stretch.
Motherwell had lost three consecutive matches for the first time since October 2023 prior to rebounding with a dramatic 1-0 win against St Mirren last time out, where Tony Watt scored a 94th-minute winner to secure all three points for the Steelmen.
Looking to build on that result and return to their early-season form, Kettlewell's men will aim to secure their third win of the campaign against Dundee United, having already defeated them 2-1 in both the Scottish League Cup quarter-final and the reverse league fixture.
Dundee United are likely to pose a challenging test for the Steelmen once again, though, especially with the Tangerines heading into the game on their longest unbeaten run in the league this season.
Jim Goodwin's side have remained undefeated in all of their last five league outings, securing two wins and three draws, results that have helped his team to brilliantly sit fourth in the table.
That marks a superb start to the campaign for the Tangerines, especially considering they were only promoted back to the top flight by winning the Scottish Championship title last year.
Six wins, six draws and only three defeats mean Dundee Utd have amassed 24 points from 15 Scottish Premiership fixtures, leaving them trailing third-placed Rangers by eighth points and six ahead of seventh-placed St Mirren.
Goodwin will undoubtedly head into this match aiming to guide his side to a sixth straight game without defeat, while also seeking to extend their gap from the bottom half of the table.
Team News
![Jim Goodwin (Manager) of Dundee United during the 2024/25 Pre Season Friendly match between Dundee United and Luton Town at CalForth Construction Arena, Tannadice Park, Scotland on 26 July 2024 [on August 2, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/31/jim-goodwin.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Jim Goodwin (Manager) of Dundee United during the 2024/25 Pre Season Friendly match between Dundee United and Luton Town at CalForth Construction Arena, Tannadice Park, Scotland on 26 July 2024 [on August 2, 2024]")
© Imago
The hosts are expected to be without the services of Callum Slattery (knee), Jack Vale (calf), Paul McGinn (thigh), Ross Callachan (hamstring) and Stephen O'Donnell (hamstring) for this match.
After ending a three-game losing run with a narrow 1-0 victory against St Mirren last time out, Kettlewell could opt to name a similar side here, with Watt and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos continuing in attack.
Dundee Utd are unable to call upon the services of Craig Sibbald (groin) and Kristijan Trapanovski (hamstring) for this match, with both expected to return later this month.
Having remained undefeated in their last five outings, recording three draws and two wins, Goodwin is likely to keep faith in a similar side for this match.
Sam Dalby, Dundee United's top scorer in the Scottish Premiership with six goals in 12 appearances, has netted all six in his last eight matches, and he will be hoping to extend his superb form with another goal here.
Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Oxborough; Casey, Gordon, Blaney; Tavares, Halliday, Miller, Wilson, Seddon; Stamatelopoulos, Watt
Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Walton; Adegboyega, Gallagher, Holt; Strain, Stephenson, Sevelj, Babunski, Ferry; Dalby, Van der Sande
We say: Motherwell 1-1 Dundee United
These two sides are separated by just two points and one position in the Scottish Premiership table, leaving them rather evenly matched heading into this one, and with this, we predict this one will end all square.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
