Preview: Motherwell vs. Ross County - prediction, team news, lineups

Still searching for their first Scottish Premiership win of 2022, Motherwell play host to Ross County at Fir Park on Wednesday night.

Both teams have scored in each of the last four league meetings between the Steelmen and the Staggies, with each side winning twice during this period.

Match preview

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Motherwell were seemingly on course to lose against Rangers last weekend, when they went into the break 2-0 down; however, Graham Alexander's men came out fighting in the second half, with strikes from Jordan Roberts and Kaiyne Woolery securing a point against the champions at Ibrox.

Alexander will have been impressed with his side's comeback, but they have now failed to win any of their last eight Premiership fixtures, losing and drawing four games each.

The Steelmen were positioned in the top four before the winter break began in mid-December, but despite their slump in form, they are currently sitting in sixth place on goal difference, level on points with Hibernian in fourth and Dundee United in fifth.

Motherwell now turn their attention to Wednesday's game against Ross County, a side who they have already beaten on home soil this season, with Tony Watt netting in the 80th minute to secure a 2-1 win in September.

Victory in midweek for Motherwell would be their first in 2022 as well as their first at Fir Park in three games.

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Ross County bounced back from a 2-0 defeat against Hibs in Edinburgh with a 3-1 home victory over relegation candidates St Johnstone last weekend.

Callum Hendry gave the visitors the lead in the 24th minute; however, goals either side of half time from in-form winger Regan Charles-Cook turned the game on its head before Joseph Hungbo added a third for the Staggies in the 66th minute to seal all three points.

Malky Mackay's men have moved seven points clear of St Johnstone in the relegation playoff position and nine clear of basement club Dundee, though the latter do have a game in hand.

Ross County have lost four of their last five away games in all competitions, but securing maximum points on Wednesday would see them claim back-to-back victories against Motherwell for the first time since January 2016, as well as help steer them further away from the drop zone.

Team News

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Motherwell's only injury concern is with midfielder Barry Maguire, who remains sidelined with a muscle problem.

Alexander may decide to make a couple of changes to his starting lineup, with Roberts potentially handed a recall at the expense of either Woolery or Ross Tierney and Kevin van Veen returning up front ahead of Joe Efford.

As for Ross County, Blair Spittal and David Cancola are both doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kickoff, as will January signing Josh Sims who is yet to make his debut for the club due to fitness issues.

Winger Charles-Cook, who has scored three goals in two league games against Motherwell this season, is set to keep his place on the right flank, with Hungbo to operate on the opposite wing.

Striker Jordan White has scored only one goal in his last eight appearances, but has provided four assists during this period and is expected to continue as the lone striker, starting ahead of Dominic Samuel and Alex Samuel.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; O'Donnell, Mugabi, Lamie, Carroll; Cornelius, O'Hara, Donnelly; Roberts, Van Veen, Tierney

Ross County possible starting lineup:
Laidlaw; Randall, Baldwin, Iacovitti, Vokins; H. Paton, Tillson; Charles-Cook, Callachan, Hungbo; White

We say: Motherwell 2-1 Ross County

Motherwell have struggled in recent weeks in the Premiership but they will be confident of ending their winless start to 2022 on Wednesday.

Ross County are likely to cause problems for the hosts but we expect Alexander's men to secure a narrow victory by the same scoreline as they did back in September.

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