Passing Time



After less than favourable midweek results for either side, Inverness visit Fir Park to take on last seasons Premiership runners up Motherwell, not something we have relished over the last few seasons.

While Inverness were unable to break down a determined Dundee at home, Motherwell were slipping to defeat against pace setters Dundee United. Inverness, however, can build on the two clean sheets and unbeaten start so far and the continuity of last years squad will breed familiarity.

Stuart McCall has been quick to add loan signings to his squad. Henrik Ojamaa and Mark O'Brien could feature in the Motherwell squad if they receive international clearance in time. Ojamaa has been loaned back to Motherwell from Legia Warsaw in a six month deal. The pacey Estonian had a good 18 month spell at Fir Park before joining Warsaw last summer and was a fans favourite with his direct style. O'Brien is a tough tackling defender brought in as cover with Well's established back line injury hit at the moment.

John Hughes is sticking to his game plan of ball retention and it worked well enough at Hamilton on the opening day, but at home the fans impatience is audible and sometimes a more direct approach might create more openings. Nonetheless the manager and players seem content to pass it around in their own half looking to create an opening, but how long  the fans will put up with this remains to be seen.

Fir Park has not been a happy hunting ground for Inverness of late. It's five visits since Inverness won 0-1 on the 14th January 2012. Gregory Tade scored the winner with a fierce shot from 25 yards that day as Inverness recorded their sixth win in nineteen attempts. We used to be regular winners at Motherwell in our early visits there, but that has been our only Fir Park victory since 2006. Last season Motherwell got the better of us with three wins to our one, where we caught them cold in August before their season took off properly.

Zaine Francis-Angol took a knock in midweek and is struggling to make this one. He could be added to the growing injury list that boasts Adam Cummins, Steven Hammell, Simon Ramsden, Iain Vigurs and Craig Moore among it's members.

Inverness defender David Raven has shrugged off a groin problem and James Vincent could feature after being substituted in midweek. Many fans wonder if Vincent is the right choice anyway and Marley Watkins is pushing hard for a start. Richie Foran and Danny Devine remain sidelined.



tm4tj Prediction:- With one of our tormentors in chief sidelined (Iain Vigurs) Motherwell will be less able to take control of the midfield where we should be reasonably strong. The main concern will be whether to play the largely ineffective James Vincent or go with the livelier Marley Watkins who has shown up well in his two substitute appearances. If Ojamaa gets clearance he will be one to watch and we would be well advised to limit his time on the ball. I'm going against the grain here and am looking for a cheeky wee win if we can get some service to McKay and Christie. 0-1 for me if we can avoid the draw.