Match Preview - Motherwell (H)

Following our postponed game against Livingston – this time around we host Motherwell at the Global Energy Stadium. It is a 7:45PM kick-off on Tuesday night.

Motherwell

Under Ross County favourite Stuart Kettlewell, The Steelmen have been a very strong team.

Initially being appointed as an important figure within Motherwell's youth set-up, Kettlewell was asked to take the team on an interim basis after the sacking of Stevie Hamill.

The claret and amber side quickly hit a run of form leading to Kettlewell’s permanent appointment – his first managerial role since he left us at Ross County.

Despite a strong start to this season where they picked up three wins, including victories over Kilmarnock, Hibernian, and Hearts, Kettlewell’s side is on a poor run of form.

They have picked up 14 points this season but have not won a game in the last 11 matches in the Scottish Premiership.

The ‘Well will be eager to bounce back against us, but catching Motherwell whilst on a negative run could play into our hands, especially as the home team.

Motherwell have continued to operate in Kettlewell’s preferred back three system, providing them much solidity. They have scored 19 goals this season, whilst conceding 25.

Fresh off the back of a hectic 3-3 draw with Dundee, this match provides Stuart Kettlewell with a much-needed chance to grab a win against his former club.

Motherwell will be without former Staggie Harry Paton as he was shown a straight red card at the weekend and is therefore suspended.

Player to Watch

Arsenal loanee Mika Bierith has been revolutionary in Lanarkshire. The Danish striker is pacey and powerful and has netted five goals in eight matches this season. The 20-year-old has also notched two assists.

We already know all about the danger of Motherwell’s number 24, as he netted a fine goal and grabbed an assist in the 3-3 draw earlier this season. He only played 15 minutes that day and showed everyone his attacking power.

Ross County

Despite a disappointing third postponement of the season, Derek Adams has struck positivity on his return to the Dingwall dugout.

With two matches played and zero goals conceded, the new gaffer has picked up four points so far.

Coming off the back of a great 1-0 win over St Mirren last midweek, confidence will be high amongst the squad who will be desperate to climb further up the table.

We currently occupy ninth place in the table – level on points with Motherwell and above Aberdeen by one point.

Player to Watch

Despite only starting one match out of two managed so far by Adams, our play grew greatly by having a striking presence in the opposition box. Jordan White has been a crucial figure in Dingwall over the past three years and reminded Adams of his goalscoring knack last time out vs St Mirren.

Jordan got onto the end of a James Brown corner and headed home to win the match.

His presence at the top end of the park against a sizable Motherwell trio of central defenders could be key.

If White starts, his match-up versus Bevis Mugabi could be an interesting battle to keep an eye out for.

Previous Encounters

In this season's earlier match, it was a thrilling 3-3 draw at Fir Park in which Motherwell capitalised on late errors by the Staggies. Our goalscoring prowess was in full flow under Malky Mackay that day, with Victor Loturi, Simon Murray and Eamonn Brophy all grabbing goals.

We struggled against Kettlewell’s side last season – picking up just one point from three fixtures. However, in other matches, we have seen plenty of success.

A midweek fixture in Malky’s first season saw a 1-0 win and three points for Ross County to bring home up the road courtesy of a Joseph Hungbo penalty.

A victory which sticks in the memory against ‘Well from back in 2015 is a 3-0 victory in Dingwall. Craig Curran, Liam Boyce, and a young Tony Dingwall netted for us on that occasion.

Despite picking up wins, it must be said our overall record facing Motherwell isn’t the strongest – having picked up 12 wins in 40 meetings.

That is something Derek and the players will be looking to change – and hopefully that comes true on Saturday.

Familiar Faces

Some huge names in Dingwall have played for both the Staggies and the Steelmen, including current manager Derek Adams.

A former Ross County captain has also played for ‘Well – Iain Vigurs moved south after successfully making the step up to the top flight with ourselves.

There are two players who have crossed over and are currently at their respective clubs, and they also very recently played together in Dingwall. John Hughes signed current forward Jordan White from Motherwell, whilst Blair Spittal left the Highlands for Lanarkshire last summer.

Team News

Ross Callachan and Ben Paton remain as the longer-term absentees.

Eamonn Brophy and Jay Henderson are both edging closer to a return.

Josh Sims returns from illness.

Ticket Information

Ross County supporters can purchase tickets from the following link; Ross County FC vs Motherwell FC - MyProVenue™ (tickets.com)