Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
St Mirren, currently propping up the Scottish Premiership in 12th place, welcome Motherwell to Paisley on Wednesday evening for what could be a really challenging game for Oran Kearney’s team. The Buddies head into this match on the back of a controversial 4-0 defeat at Ibrox to Rangers at the weekend. The Gers were awarded four penalties in that game, three of which were successfully converted, and there have been questions asked of the quality of the refereeing in that game. St Mirren have lost their last five league games, with their last Premiership victory coming, coincidentally, against Motherwell on December 22, when they won 1-0 at Fir Park.
Motherwell, in contrast to the Saints, have won their last three league games, and will want to add another victory to that run on Wednesday evening. In their last three games, the Steelmen have beaten Hamilton Academical, Hibernian and Livingston, and have scored six goals and conceded just one in those games.
St Mirren vs Motherwell Prediction: Buddies 1-1 Steelmen
Our prediction for this game is that it will end in a 1-1 draw, a result which will probably please Oran Kearney more than it will his opposite number Steve Robinson. Both managers in this game are from Northern Ireland, but that is unlikely to make it a friendly affair. St Mirren signed a clutch of players in January, and will need those men to stand up and be counted. We predict that the Buddies will play well, but will fail to create enough chances to kill off Motherwell.
Our recommended tip: Draw, both score
Our featured tip for this game comes courtesy of Irish bookmaker Paddy Power, who are offering odds of 7/2 on the game ending in a score draw. This bet fits perfectly with our prediction of a 1-1 tie, but also gives you a certain amount of flexibility about the actual final scoreline. Odds of 7/2 also offer a good reward, even for a modest outlay on your part. While St Mirren have been in poor form in recent times, Kearney does seem to be instilling a better spirit, and the new players could play a vital part for the Saints too.
Previous matches
These two sides have met on two previous occasions this season, with both of those games coming in the Scottish Premiership. The first meeting was at the Simple Digital Arena in Paisley on October 31. Motherwell ran out as 2-0 winners that day, with the goals coming from David Turnbull and Chris Cadden. The second meeting was at Fir Park on December 22. That game was St Mirren’s last victory in the league, with the Saints triumphing 1-0, thanks to a Simeon Jackson goal which was scored in the 68th minute of the game.
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Players to watch: Ethan Erhahon & Jake Hastie
Ethan Erhahon has been identified as a rising star of the Scottish game by many North of the Border. Just 17 years old, the Scottish midfielder has become a regular for the Saints in the Premiership this season, and is acquiring valuable experience, despite playing in a struggling side. Erhahon has played 14 games in all competitions in 2018/19, and has scored one goal and provided two assists for his team.
Motherwell midfielder Jake Hastie, like Erhahon, came through the ranks at his club’s youth system. Having spent the first half of the season on loan at Alloa Athletic, where he scored three goals in all competitions, the 19-year-old Scot has now returned to Motherwell. He made an immediate impact too, scoring twice at the weekend in ‘Well’s 3-0 home win over Livingston. He has played just three games for ‘Well this season, but that tally will rise quickly if his form continues.
