IT'S surely do-or-die for Stephen Glass and Aberdeen on Saturday in a crucial Scottish Cup tie at Motherwell.
Aberdeen dropped to an embarrassing ninth place in midweek with an all-too-typical, raise-their-game performance against one of the Old Firm. Sadly for Dons fans, that's almost invariably followed with a revert-to-type display in the very next game.
For a club of Aberdeen's size with the budget and playing squad, ninth place in February is a scandal and you get the feeling Glass would have been emptied long ago if he wasn't so closely linked to chairman Dave Cormack.
Their particular Achilles Heel is playing away from home. Aberdeen have the second worst away record in the league and have lost at Dundee, Livingston, St Mirren twice, Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Motherwell. And that's where they are heading on Saturday.
Not that Motherwell have been tearing up trees recently either. They haven't won in seven games during 90 minutes and have looked weak after the loss of Tony Watt to Dundee United, who of course scored his first goal for his new club against them in midweek.
Aberdeen have collected just one point out of a possible 12 too and both sides won't exactly be brimming with confidence.
How the bookies view it
Surprisingly, given Motherwell are at home and are four places and four points better off than the Dons, Aberdeen are favourites at 31/20 with BetVictor.
The hosts are 19/10 outsiders with William Hill, while the draw is 21/10 with SBK.
Recent head to heads
The clubs have met twice this season and Motherwell have won them both 2-0 home and away. Below is their win at Fir Park in September.
Players to watch
Kevin van Veen was only a sub at Tannadice in midweek and shoukd start here. He's on eight goals for the season and will relish a physical challenge. He's 7/4 to score anytime with bet365.
Lewis Ferguson is always good for an important goal and scored again against Celtic from midfirled in midweek. He's 13/5 to score at Fir Park with William Hill on Saturday.
Anything else catch the eye?
It's difficult to believe the layers have chalked up the Dons as favourites here. Both sides in poor form, but Well have already beaten Aberdeen home and away and there are plenty of indications this could come down to a battle on Saturday…and that won't suit the visitors.
Aberdeen know their season ends on Saturday if they go out of the cup and quite possibly the manager's reign too, but when the pressure is on they have folded plenty of times this season. It's hard to see them suddenly mustering up some fight.
Motherwell have struggled to score recently and Aberdeen have been very slow starters recently too, so don't expect a classic. Bet365's no goal before the 32nd minute at 5/6 should land here.
This Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Aberdeen will be played on Feb 12, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Motherwell vs Aberdeen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
