Motherwell v Inverness CT
Football : Scottish Premier League
Saturday 14/01/2012 - Kickoff 15.00 (local)

---

Motherwell

Motherwell had a fine 4-0 home win over Queens Park in the Scottish cup last weekend in a result that was never really in any doubt to be honest after Daley sent them on their way after 5 mins.

Back to league action this weekend and I'm sure McColl will have his troops well fired up as they are now starting to notice a challenge from Hearts and St Johnstone for 3rd place in the league.

Motherwell strengthened their squad last week by bringing in Estonia Under-21 international Henrik Ojamaa on loan until the end of the season and he marked his debut by coming off the bench and scoring in the last minute against Queens Park.

All in all Motherwell do have a really nice balance to their team and they have basically been able to field a relatively unchanged team all season which I think has been the key to their success.

Only doubt for this match is Jennings who is rated 50/50 but is to be given every chance to make the starting XI.


Possible Motherwell lineup : (4-4-2)
Randolph, Hateley, Clancy, Craigan, Hammell, Daley, Lasley, Law, Humphrey, Murphy, Higdon

Inverness CT

I'm not ashamed to admit I was very surprised and lost money on Inverness last week in the cup when they only managed a draw against struggling Dunfermline, but they were reduced to 10 men after 30 mins so I suppose its credit to them for managing a last minute equaliser.

They will come into this match being severly weakened buy the departure of David Davis going back to Wolves following the end of his loan spell and also missing captain Foran through suspension.

Injury wise Tokeley looks struggling to make this match and Proctor and Tudur-Jones remain out.


Possible Inverness CT lineup : (4-4-2)
Esson, Golobart, G. Shinnie, Gillet, Piermayr, A. Shinnie Hayes, Cox, Tansey, Tade, McKay

THE BETTING VERDICT

My only real concern here is Motherwell's disappointing home record this season having only won 3 of 9 league games played at Fir Park. It's pretty tricky to puzzle out why they have not been as effective at home but to be fair it is only St Johnstone outwith the old firm that have actually managed to beat them at Fir Park.

For me Motherwell are a much more solid team than Inverness and work well as a unit. They have pace at the front and are solid at the back. They have only lost 9 goals at home this season and Inverness have shipped 24 goals on their travels. Yes, I am a little worried that Motherwell have only managed 7 league goals at home in 9 games but with a little bit of competetion for striking position now that might focus Murphy and Higdon to produce a little bit extra.

I think Motherwell at evens for a home win is a decent price given the fact they are so keen to finish 3rd in the league. I'm backing them to make it 4 home wins this season!

The Pick :

Motherwell 1-0 Inverness CT

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Motherwell 55% - Draw 25% - Inverness - 20%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Main Bet:
Motherwell to win at odds of 2.00 (Victor Chandler)