Fir Park is the venue for Sunday’s Scottish Premiership match as Motherwell will take on Livingston. The home side have been inconsistent of late, while the visitors have been struggling on away trips. Can Motherwell get back on track against Livingston?
Motherwell have been inconsistent in their recent matches. They have taken seven points out of 15 available from their previous five fixtures in the league. Despite the drop in form in their recent matches, Motherwell have been impressive at home. They have lost just three games at home this season, two of them against the top two sides, Rangers and Celtic. Their decent form at home has ensured that they stay in the top half of the table. The Steelmen are currently placed fourth in the league with eight wins, four draws, and seven losses in 19 games. They won their previous match against St. Johnstone convincingly. Dean Cornelius and Kevin van Veen scored in either half of the game to give their side three points. The win against the Saints was Motherwell’s third successive victory at home. The Steelmen would be looking to close the points gap with third-placed Hearts as they head into the winter break. Juhani Ojala and Ricki Lamie could be in contention to make the bench in the match.
In their recent game against St. Johnstone, Motherwell came out on top despite having a lower xG than their opponents. Kevin van Veen had the highest xG while he also took the highest number of shots. Kaiyne Woolery made the highest number of dribbles. Liam Donnelly made the highest number of recoveries in the opposition’s half.
Motherwell have made the fourth highest smart passes in the league currently. They average 1.52 smart passes per match.
Livingston have been struggling to produce a decent string of results for the better part of the first half of the season. However, they have recently won two of their last three fixtures and drew one. The Lions’ three-match unbeaten run came after six successive games without a win. Their recent results put them eighth in the league with five wins, five draws, and nine losses in 19 matches. In their previous game against Ross County, Livingston left it late to net the equalizer. Ayo Obileye scored late in the 89th minute to help his side take a point after David Cancola gave County the lead in the 45th minute. Goalkeeper Daniel Barden remains unavailable due to illness. Adam Lewis, Tom Parkes, and Cristian Montano are in contention to return by the end of the year.
In their previous game against Ross County, Livingston had a higher xG. Jack Fitzwater led the xG chart, followed by Ayo Obileye. The latter also made the highest number of passes to the final third. Alan Forrest made the highest number of dribbles, while Stephane Omeonga made the highest number of recoveries in the opponent’s half.
Livingston lead the league in terms of successful defensive duels. They average 44.61 successful defensive duels per match.
Predicted XI
Motherwell (4-3-3): Kelly; O’Donnell, Mugabi, Solholm, McGinley; Cornelius, Donnelly, Goss; Woolery, Van Veen, Watt.
Livingston (4-3-3): Stryjek; Devlin, Fitzwater, Obileye, Penrice; McMillan, Holt, Omeonga; Sibbald, Anderson, Forrest.
Prediction
Motherwell have a decent home record this season and should take the three points at Fir Park.
