ST MIRREN host Motherwell on Saturday with both sides desperate for the points for differing reasons.
Saints believe this will finally be their year where they push into the top six. They have been on the cusp of making it for the past few seasons. But the last time they made the top six was a fifth place finish in 1985.
They are currently seventh but level with Hibs and two points behind Aberdeen with those crisis clubs playing each other at the same time as this.
For Motherwell, their proud record of playing in the top flight since 1985/86 season is under threat with a congested relegation zone this term.
They are level on points with Dundee United and Kilmarnock with only Ross County behind them.
Last week in the Scottish Cup, Saints were outplayed at home by Championship side Dundee, but managed to edge through after a penalty shootout, while Well won a real battle at Gayfield against Arbroath.
Neither side are in great form – St Mirren have won just one game in 90 minutes in their last 11 games and Motherwell have won just once in the league since the start of October.
How the bookies view this
St Mirren are favourites with home advantage and can be backed at 6/4 with Coral. Motherwell are 2/1 with UniBet and the draw is 12/5 with Boylesports.
Recent head to heads
Motherwell are the last team to beat St Mirren in Paisley in the league – they won 1-0 on the first day of the season back in July.
In fact, Motherwell are unbeaten on their last eight visits to Renfrewshire.
Players to watch
Curtis Main isn't everyone's cup of tea, but he puts in a real shift and will be up against his old side today. The Saints striker isn't prolific with just three goals this season though and is 15/4 to score with BetVictor.
Motherwell striker Kevin van Veen is still the Steelmen's most likely route to goal and the big Dutchman is 2/1 to score anytime with UniBet.
Anything else catch the eye?
St Mirren have an outstanding home record – they have lost just once in the league this season and that was to Motherwell, who have a great record here. Saints are the only team to beat Celtic in the league and also drew at home with Rangers.
But the hosts aren't at their best when they are expected to attack and win the game and Dundee proved that last week when they could and should have won.
The likely scenario here is a draw with both sides cancelling each other out. In the league table of draws, St Mirren are top with six and Motherwell are second equal with five.
It's hard to see a lot of goals here either. St Mirren have failed to score in four of their last five games and two of Motherwell's last three games have gone under 2.5 goals too.
If there is to be a winner, it's likely to be a 1-0 scoreline. Try under 1.5 goals at 2/1 with bet365.
This Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and Motherwell will be played on Jan 28, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best St Mirren vs Motherwell prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
