Motherwell play host to Hibernian on Saturday in what could be a crucial Scottish Premiership match in terms of which teams end up in the top half when the league table splits.
Both have a chance of finishing in the top six, but they each require three points from this match and need Dundee to lose their two remaining games.
Match preview
© Reuters
Motherwell are putting together a strong run of form at the moment, having only lost twice in their previous six games, a run which has also featured three victories and a draw.
Those performances have given the Steelmen a fighting chance of a top-half finish, but they will require one more victory this weekend to make that happen.
It would ultimately come down to goal difference for Motherwell, and while they currently have a better record than Dundee, they also need the Dark Blues to lose their remaining two matches.
Stuart Kettlewell's men beat Dundee during their most recent outing in a match that showcased how much they want to be in the top six, as they came from two goals down to win 3-2.
A frantic final 15 minutes saw Motherwell score three times, including a 93rd-minute winner from Moses Ebiye, highlighting how much fighting spirit is within the squad at the moment.
© Reuters
The visitors are in a similar position to their opponents this weekend considering they also need three points to give them any chance of finishing in the top six when the division splits.
However, unlike the Steelmen it may not come down to goal difference for Hibernian as a victory would take them a point above Dundee if the Dark Blues lose their next two matches.
The Hibees are not in the strongest form coming into this game, though, having lost their previous two outings against Rangers and St Johnstone respectively.
In fact, Hibernian have won just two of their previous six matches in all competitions, and they have failed to defeat Motherwell in both of their previous meetings this season.
Now would be the perfect time for the Hibees to turn things around against the Steelmen, but they have struggled on the road this season which is something that could be problematic this weekend.
Team News
© Reuters
Ebiye came off the bench to score the match-winner against Dundee and he will be hoping that he did enough to start the game this weekend.
He could end up partnering with Theo Bair, who is expected to start after scoring his 13th goal in the league against the Dark Blues.
Jake Doyle-Hayes, Dylan Vente, Luke Amos and Lewis Miller have all been missing lately due to injury for Hibernian, and that is something that is expected to continue this time around.
Josh Campbell has also been on the shelf lately, but he was back on the bench last weekend, and even though he did not feature, the midfielder could be involved this Saturday.
Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Casey, Mugabi, Blaney; O'Donnell, Halliday, Miller, Spittal, McGinn; Bair, Ebiye
Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Marshall; Cadden, Fish, Bushiri, Obita; Triantis, Newell; Youan, Marcondes, Maolida; Le Fondre
We say: Motherwell 2-1 Hibernian
It is a crucial match for both teams this weekend considering how much could be on the line for each of them, and that should lead to a tense fixture.
However, considering the momentum that the hosts have at the moment, it will be Motherwell who are considered the favourites.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
