Motherwell host Ross County at Fir Park on Saturday in the opening game of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season. Both sides will be hoping for a positive start to avoid a relegation battle.
Motherwell finished ninth last season with 43 points, while Ross County secured their top-flight status after a tense two-legged playoff victory against Raith Rovers. The home side will be looking to improve on their disappointing performance last term, having finished seventh the season before.
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell will be pleased with his side's recent form, having won four of their last five matches. They are unbeaten in 90 minutes since the end of last season, despite a penalty shootout defeat to Partick Thistle in the League Cup.
Despite the positive pre-season results, Motherwell's home record at Fir Park last season was concerning. They only managed three wins in 19 home matches, highlighting the need for improvement in this area.
Ross County arrive at Fir Park in a buoyant mood, having won all six matches since the end of last season. Under manager Don Cowie, who was appointed permanently in May, the Staggies collected 16 points from 15 Premiership matches. Cowie will be hoping to avoid another relegation battle this season.
The visitors have a particularly poor away record, winning only once on the road in the league last season. Their last 17 away Premiership matches have resulted in no wins, making their task at Fir Park even more challenging.
Team News:
Motherwell have a number of injury concerns heading into the match. Midfielders Callum Slattery, Harry Paton, and Sam Nicholson, along with new signing Ross Callachan, are all ruled out. Johnny Koutroumbis is also unavailable due to a calf injury.
Tom Sparrow is a potential return after featuring on the bench last weekend.
Ross County are boosted by the return of Will Nightingale to training, but Ricki Lamie is a doubt after picking up an Achilles injury. Connor Randall has been confirmed as the club captain and is likely to start.
New signing Noah Chilvers could be handed a start in a forward role after completing his move earlier this week.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Motherwell: Hegyi; O'Donnell, Gordon, Casey, Blaney; Wilson, Halliday, Zdravkovski; Miller; Ebiye, Robinson.
Ross County: Hamilton; Brown, Wright, Leak; Efete, Telfer, Randall, Reid; Hale, White, Chilvers.
Prediction:
While Ross County come into the game in good form, it's hard to overlook their league struggles in recent seasons. Motherwell's home record might give the visitors some hope, but Ross County's dismal away form makes the hosts the favourites.
We predict a 2-0 victory for Motherwell.
For a more detailed analysis of the match, including predicted scorelines and other statistical insights, please click here.