Preview: Motherwell vs. Dundee United - prediction, team news, lineups

Both Dundee United and Motherwell will be attempting to get back to winning ways on Tuesday night when they meet at Fir Park.

The visitors were able to earn three points the last time the two teams competed against each other and with just four points separating them in the league, they have the chance to push away with another positive result.

Match preview

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Motherwell were left shocked at the weekend when they were comfortably defeated against Dundee, who sit in the relegation zone, which is a performance the team will be looking to quickly forget about.

The Steelmen lost 3-0 in a comfortable result for The Dark Blues, despite the fact that Graham Alexander's men dominated the possession on the day.

This brought an end to their two-match winning streak following consecutive 2-0 wins against Hearts and Aberdeen which had helped to get their season back on track.

Prior to that Motherwell had gone five games in a row without a win, a run of form which included a defeat against Dundee United, who got the best of them when they last met.

Tony Watt had brought his team back into the match on that day in the 70th minute with an equaliser, but a strike from Charlie Mulgrew soon after helped give the Terrors three points.

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Tam Courts will be aware of Motherwell's weaker defensive performances throughout the season, with the Steelmen having conceded 24 goals throughout this campaign, which is 10 more than Dundee United.

However, the Terrors were also left frustrated at the weekend against a team in the relegation zone when they were held to a draw against Ross County.

Despite the fact they had taken the lead through Louis Appere the squad could not hold onto that even though the Staggies ended the game with 10 men as Jack Baldwin scored in the 93rd minute.

It continued a difficult run for Dundee United, who have only managed two victories in their previous six fixtures which is something they shall be looking to improve upon starting on Tuesday night.

A win provides them with the chance to climb up the league table while also putting further distance between themselves and Motherwell, strengthening their position in the division.

Team News

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Alexander opted to make one change to the starting XI against Dundee at the weekend, bringing in Liam Grimshaw as part of the midfield three with the decision being made to drop Sean Goss from the matchday squad.

Motherwell also brought Kevin van Veen and Jordan Roberts in, with each man making an appearance from the bench, which could provide them a push towards the team this time around from the first minute.

After finding the back of the net at the weekend Appere will be hoping to retain his shirt and lead the line once again on Tuesday.

While a decision will also have to be made in the formation after the change was made to 4-4-1-1 at the weekend, which did provide a sterner defensive approach.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Mugabi, Johansen, Lamie, McGinley; Grimshaw, Maguire, Slattery; Watt, Woolery, Shields

Dundee United possible starting lineup:
Siegrist; Freeman, Edwards, Mulgrew, McMann; Niskanen, Hoti, Harkes, Pawlett; Clark; Appere

We say: Motherwell 1-2 Dundee United

Motherwell might have the home advantage, but after a poor performance at the weekend the visitors will be confident that they can go and secure a positive result.

Dundee United were able to win the last time they met and that is something that could be repeated with their stronger defensive record likely to be beneficial.

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