DUNDEE UNITED need a miracle to dodge the drop in the SPFL Premiership and Motherwell will be looking to pile on the pain for the dispirited Tannadice side as they bid to top the bottom six on the final day.
After crashing to a dismal 3-0 loss at home to Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the only way Jim Goodwin's men can avoid relegation is to beat Well and hope Ross County lose at Rugby Park, with an eight-goal swing thrown in as well.
Even Goodwin admitted it was pretty much mission impossible after that midweek horror show made it four defeats in a row. It would now be a major surprise if the Irishman remained in charge next season to lead United back to the top flight.
And the campaign has been a disaster, with the club going through three managers, Tam Courts, Jack Ross and Liam Fox, since ending last term on a high by banking a European place.
For a long time it looked like Motherwell would be involved in the relegation scrap after the Premiership split but Stuart Kettlewell has transformed the team since taking the reins from Stevie Hammell.
The Steelmen have only lost twice in 13 games since Kettlewell became manager and they did me a turn a few weeks ago by beating Kilmarnock 2-0 at home.
That victory secured safety and Motherwell sit a point above Livingston in seventh place heading into the final game. Kettlewell is determined to finish top of the bottom half to bank more prize money and it would be a major surprise if his in-form side stumbled against doomed United.
How the bookies view it
Motherwell are a best 19/20 with Bet365 and that looks great value based on the recent performances of both sides. Dundee United are 3/1 at BoyleSports while the draw pays 11/4 with Starsports.
Recent head to head
It has been honours evens for these sides so far this season, with one win apiece and a draw. Things have also been close in recent campaigns, with the last 14 meetings producing five Motherwell victories, six Dundee United wins and three stalemates. The Tannadice side will take a little heart from the fact they won 2-1 at Fir Park just last month thanks to a storming second-half comeback.
Players to watch
It's hard to look past Kevin van Veen for a Motherwell goal with the Dutchman in such a hot streak of form. He netted for the 10th game in a row against Livingston in midweek and is worth backing at evens (Bet365) to keep his incredible run going.
Jamie McGrath is on the penalties for Dundee United so he's always worth a look in the scorer markets. The Irishman has four goals from his last seven outings and is 9/2 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
There has been a one-goal winning margin in the last two meetings and that bet has landed in five of the last seven games between Motherwell and Dundee United. It pays 13/10 with McBookie for this one but I've a feeling the Steelmen will win this one comfortably and like them at -1 in the handicap (13/5, BoyleSports).
Dundee United have been leaking goals of late so the 2/1 on offer at McBookie for Motherwell to score in each half is also tempting.
This fixture has been good value for corners this season, with the three clashes producing 36 in total. Backing over 10 corners in this one pays 6/5 with Bet365.
Dundee United went down without a fight on Wednesday night, picking up just one booking. That suggests betting against a busy day for the ref could pay off and under 3.5 cards is priced evens at Bet365.
This Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Dundee United will be played on May 28, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Motherwell vs Dundee United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
