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

Motherwell will be looking to claim back-to-back Scottish Premiership victories when they host newly-promoted Dundee on Saturday afternoon.

The two sides faced each other in the League Cup two weeks ago, with the Dark Blues securing a narrow 1-0 win to progress into the third round.

Match preview

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Motherwell claimed their first three points of the new season when they came from behind to win 2-1 away at Livingston last weekend.

The Lions were in front at half time after Alan Forrest found the net in the 38th minute. However, the Steelmen responded quickly in the second half with Tony Watt equalising three minutes after the break, before the comeback was complete when Liam Grimshaw scored his first professional goal in the 79th minute.

No side has recovered more points from losing positions so far this campaign than Motherwell (4) who have been behind in all three of their league matches but have lost only once.

Graham Alexander is now preparing for his second game of the season against Dundee, and will be hoping his side can improve after their defeat at Dens Park two weeks ago.

Motherwell should be confident in claiming all three points on Saturday as they had won each of the last eight meetings against the Dark Blues prior to their League Cup exit.

Dundee, meanwhile, are one of five Premiership sides who have failed to win in their opening three league matches, but they were able to rescue a point last weekend, as they drew 2-2 at home against Hibernian.

After Jason Cummings had given the hosts an early lead, Martin Boyle's 39th-minute penalty and a strike from Ryan Porteous in the 59th minute turned the game on its head for Hibs. However, they were unable to hold on as Paul McGowan headed in Dundee's equaliser seven minutes from time.

Head coach James McPake was "gutted" to have not won the game but at the same time felt "extremely proud" that his side came back to secure a point late on.

Dundee's defensive frailties have seemingly cost them precious points so far this campaign as they have conceded 10 goals from their first three league matches; only St Mirren have conceded as many.

The Dark Blues face a Motherwell side on Saturday who they were able to keep a clean sheet against in their narrow League Cup victory a fortnight ago, their first against the Steelmen since November 2016.

Dundee may have won only one of their last 15 Premiership games, losing 12 in the process, but they will fancy their chances of claiming a victory this weekend.

Team News

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Motherwell will be hoping to have Stephen O'Donnell back in contention to play this weekend, after the defender missed the victory at Livingston due to illness.

Summer signing Kevin van Veen, who has recovered from a back problem, was an unused substitute last weekend but should be in contention to start ahead of either Watt or Justin Nwogu.

As for Dundee, left-back Jordan Marshall is back from serving a one-match suspension and will be in contention to start ahead of Jordan McGhee.

Defender Cammy Kerr is set to miss out with a knee injury, but is closing in on a return to training, while striker Cillian Sheridan will have a late fitness test following a groin problem.

After coming off the bench to score the equaliser last weekend, McGowan will be hoping he can force his way into the starting lineup ahead of either Max Anderson or Shaun Byrne.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Grimshaw, Ojala, Lamie, Carroll; Slattery, O'Hara, Lawless; Woolery, Van Veen, Watt

Dundee possible starting lineup:
Legzdins; Elliott, Ashcroft, Fontaine, Panter; McGhee, Byrne, Adam; McMullan, Cummings, McGowan

We say: Motherwell 2-1 Dundee

Dundee will be keen to claim their first victory of the season but they must improve defensively if they are to come out on top.

Even though the Dark Blues beat Motherwell in the League Cup earlier this month, we feel that the hosts will get revenge and secure all three points at Fir Park.