It is a battle at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership to wrap up 2023 on Saturday as Motherwell play host to Livingston.

The two teams are currently propping up the table, and while the Lions cannot overtake their opponents, they can close the gap between them.

Match preview

Motherwell will be looking to grow the distance between themselves and a guaranteed relegation spot at the bottom of the league this weekend, with four points already being between them.

The Steelmen have been stronger at home throughout the season, but they have also proven to be very easy to score past which has been a cause for concern.

No team has conceded more goals at home than Motherwell, who have conceded 20 in 10 games, but they might take confidence from Livingston being the lowest-scoring team in the league.

Stuart Kettlewell's men are yet to win a game in December, which has led to them falling down to 11th in the table, but a victory this weekend could potentially lift them as high as eighth depending on other results.

Motherwell will also be wary of the fact that they came up short the last time they met Livingston, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat on that day.

On the other hand, that will provide the Lions with some confidence that they can pick up some much-needed points this weekend which the team needs if they want to start closing the gap on those above them.

The Lions have only managed to win two games throughout the entire campaign, which provides them something to work on, with a big problem for them being finding the back of the net.

Considering Motherwell have conceded more goals than any other team in the division David Martindale will likely see this as an ideal time for his team to exploit that and improve in the attack.

Livingston were able to pick up a point during their most recent outing when they held St Johnstone to a goalless draw, which was an important result for them.

However, the Lions will need to make a step up if they wish to avoid relegation this season as more wins are going to be needed.

Team News

Motherwell should head into this game relatively well-rested considering their most recent Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen was postponed, giving them a longer break than their opponents.

Calum Butcher has been close to full fitness lately, and the extra break could have helped him take the time that he needs to make a return to the matchday squad.

However, Motherwell are going to be without Lennon Miller, Pape Souare and Dan Casey this weekend due to injuries.

After keeping a clean sheet during their most recent fixture it is unlikely Martindale will make any changes to the defensive setup of his side as they look to keep that up.

Tom Parkes will continue to sit on the sidelines after he was injured against Celtic, and that should keep Michael Devlin in the team.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; O'Donnell, Mugabi, Blaney; Spencer, Slattery, Zdravkovski, Paton, Gent; Obika, Biereth

Livingston possible starting lineup:
Hamilton; Devlin, Nottingham, Obileye; Brandon, Shinnie, Holt, Penrice; Nouble, Pittman, Anderson

We say: Motherwell 1-0 Livingston

This is a true six-pointer for both teams at this stage in the season, and because of how much it means to each club it will likely be a closely contested fixture.

Motherwell will be the favourites considering the lack of goals that Livingston have they should be able to take all three points.


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