ST MIRREN and Motherwell have both made flying starts in the SPFL Premiership so the stage is set for a cracking League Cup tie as they face off in Paisley.
After two rounds of league fixtures, the Buddies and champions Celtic are the only two top-flight teams with 100 per cent records. Having banked a top-six place last term, Stephen Robinson's side look in good shape again this term.
A defeat to League One Montrose in their first League Cup group game put St Mirren at risk of missing the knockout stages for the second successive season but they then reeled off wins over Arbroath, Cowdenbeath and Forfar, scoring nine times in the process.
The fine form continued when the Premiership began, with Robinson's men beating Hibs 3-2 at Easter Road before claiming a 2-1 victory over promoted Dundee to bring up one of my weekend super singles.
A brilliant home record was the foundation of their success last term and that has continued so far with three wins out of three but Motherwell will be a tough nut to crack.
The Steelmen were facing relegation when Stuart Kettlewell took over from Stevie Hammell last term but the new gaffer transformed their fortunes and Well eventually finished clear of trouble in seventh place.
The loss of 29-goal Kevin van Veen threatened to derail Motherwell this summer but Kettlewell looks to have recruited shrewdly by snapping up Arsenal loanee Mika Beireth, Walsall striker Conor Wilkinson and Canadian international Theo Bair.
Motherwell are unbeaten inside 90 minutes in their six outings this season, with the only disappointment a penalty shoot-out defeat to Queen's Park in the League Cup group stage after a 3-3 thriller.
A battling point at Dens in their Premiership was followed by a 2-1 home win over Hibernian last weekend so Kettlewell's side will fancy their chances of reaching the League Cup quarter-finals.
How the bookies view it
St Mirren are odds-on favourites to qualify at a best 4/7 with Bet365 while Motherwell look a bit overpriced at 5/4 with the same firm in what should be a close game. For a win in 90 minutes, the Buddies are 6/5 at Coral, with VBet pricing Well at 27/11 and the draw paying 12/15 at William Hill.
Recent head to head
Motherwell have held the upper hand in this fixture of late, losing just one of the last nine meetings. They won twice against the Buddies last season, including a 1-0 triumph in Paisley with just 10 men.
Players to watch
Mikael Mandron will have a point to prove against his old club after failing to make an impact at Fir Park. The Frenchman has hit the ground running with St Mirren, netting four goals in five games, and is 12/5 with Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Motherwell look to have struck gold by landing Biereth on loan and the Dane announced himself with a stunning debut goal off the bench against Hibs. He could start here and looks overpriced at 11/4 with Bet365 for another goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have been scoring freely this season, with the only blank coming in St Mirren's defeat by Montrose. That suggests BTTS stands a chance here but the odds aren't great a best 4/5 with Bet365. Over 2.5 goals is better at evens with LiveScoreBet while most other firms are just a fraction under that price.
It should be a close one with these sides in good form and that makes the half-time draw worth a look at 6/5 with Bet365. McBookie also price a one-goal winning margin for either side at a tempting 5/4.
This Scottish League Cup match between St Mirren and Motherwell will be played on Aug 19, 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.
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