First Team
PREVIEW | Saints v Motherwell
11th February 2020
The league action returns tomorrow night as we welcome Motherwell to McDiarmid Park under the lights in a 7:45PM kick-off.
Saints go into the game on the back of the weekend's Scottish Cup 5th Round win over Ayr Utd while the visitors were held to a 1-1 draw by St Mirren.
Last time out in the league, Saints took all three points from Aberdeen at Pittodrie while tonight's opponents lost 4-0 to Celtic at Fir Park.
TEAM NEWS
Murray Davidson remains sidelined with a fractured arm and winger Michael O'Halloran will also miss out as he's still suffering from an injury picked up in last week's match with Aberdeen.
Otherwise, the Manager has a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the visit of Motherwell.
PRE-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE
MANAGER:"Since we've come back from the break we've been playing really well. Our performances have been very good and now it's up to us to maintain it.
"I believe we should have had more points from our recent matches. We deserved to take something from the Livingston game and should have taken all three points against Hearts.
"We are looking a lot stronger defensively and more potent in attack which is promising. The players now have to keep the momentum going.
"Motherwell have had the upper hand on us this year but hopefully it'll be a different case tomorrow because we're in a better place now than when we last played.
"In the game here I thought we were unfortunate. We missed the penalty and their 'keeper made some good saves towards the end of that match allowing them to hold on.
"The game at Fir Park was disappointing as there wasn't much in it until they scored the first goal. Then we capitulated.
"We're full of confidence just now though and the players know what they need to do. We know what to expect from them and they'll know what to expect from us so it'll be a tight game but one I believe we can win."
JASON:"Recent results have been really good and in particular that win against Aberdeen last week was big for us.
"We want to keep it going starting with Motherwell and then on to Ross County away at the weekend.
"Motherwell have had a good season as you can see by their league position. The two games against us were disappointing this season so we're due them a performance.
"The defeat at Fir Park was probably the lowest point of the season for us. We were leaking silly goals and we knew something had to change.
"We went back to basics and it's worked for us. We've kept clean sheets and managed to get results since then and it's helped us to climb up the table.
"We're scoring more goals now and the strikers are full of confidence. Hopefully we can keep it going and start pushing for a place in the top six."
SUPPORTER INFORMATION
Tickets are available right up until kick-off on Saturday via our online ticketing system.
There will be limited cash gates at the stadium but we advise to purchase in advance online to beat the queues.
Get your hands on an official matchday programme for just £2! Programmes will be available from sellers in all stands as well as from the Saints Shop pre-match. This week's feature interview is with Drey Wright!
The Muirton Suite is open from 5:30PM and again post-match for fans to enjoy refreshments. Away supporters are welcome.
We'll have a selection of hot and cold food as well as a fully stocked bar!
McDiarmid Park prides itself in being a fully inclusive stadium and we have a range of benefits to help enhance the matchday experience of disabled supporters.
Click HERE to find out more, including info on our Sensory Packs, equipment for blind or partially sighted supporters, disabled parking and more.
The Saints Shop will be open pre-match and also post-match for supporters to pick up official St. Johnstone merchandise and souvenirs.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Wednesday night will be the third meeting of the season between the two clubs with Motherwell winning the first two 1-0 and 4-0 respectively.
It's the 167th clash between the sides in all competitions with Motherwell coming out on top in the head-to-head with 81 victories to Saints' 52. The fixture has ended all square on 33 occasions.
The last Saints win over the visitors came at the end of last season in a post-split fixture.
Scott Tanser netted from the penalty spot and Murray Davidson added the second in a 2-0 victory for Tommy Wright's men.
It was a mixed bag last season with both sides recording two victories each. A last minute Jason Kerr header secured three points at Fir Park and was the start of an eight-match-unbeaten-run for the Club.
The two defeats came at home in December 2018 - a 1-2 defeat - and at Fir Park in March 2019 when three second half goals gave the Steelmen a 3-0 victory.
SAINTS TV
Not making the match? Saints TV has you covered!
The match will be broadcast live to overseas subscribers with live audio commentary for those in the UK/Ireland.
Roddy Grant is the co-commentator for the match!