Motherwell host Dundee in the first match after the split as Stephen Robinson’s side head in to a crucial run of fixtures.
Following the 4-2 victory over Inverness two weeks ago at Fir Park, the Steelmen will be keen to maintain their momentum, while the visiting Dee will have a new lease of life on their side following the appointment of Neil McCann.
Tomorrow’s clash comes with added importance given the fact that just two points separate Motherwell in tenth from Dundee in eleventh – as the two sides search for three points in the hunt for survival.
‘Well boss Stephen Robinson is calling on his side to show more desire, more fight and more hunger than the Dark Blues, who will undoubtedly show some signs of a boost under the stewardship and direction of a new boss.
And the Northern Irishman is not concerned about finding that attitude in his team, insisting the players have given their all for him so far.
“Make no mistake about it – the last run of fixtures is massive for the club.
“I think we look forward to Saturday’s game because it gives us a chance to leave a gap between ourselves and Dundee.”
He added: “It’s an opportunity for us – there’s confidence around the camp, we’ve had a good week and there’s been lots we’ve worked on so we’re confident going in to the game.”
The ‘Well boss will have to field a side without Stephen McManus and Richard Tait, who are out through groin injuries, while top scorer Louis Moult has overcome the slight knock that he had been playing through in recent weeks.
Tickets for the crucial clash are on sale from the Fir Park ticket office today until 4pm, and can be purchased tomorrow morning from 10am until kick off, as well as on the turnstiles.
For those who can’t make it, you can follow all the action on Twitter @MotherwellFC and listen to live commentary on mixlr.com/motherwellfc
‘Well winger Elliott Frear has become an integral part of Stephen Robinson’s plans since the gaffer took charge.
But initially, Elliott had to bide his time in the squad after his arrival in January.
Fast forward three months or so and the Englishman has grown in confidence and is raring to go as he prepares for the post-split fixtures.
Motherwell’s number 17 believes the entire squad is relishing the challenge as they head in to a crucial final five matches.
And after a positive performance and result against Inverness two weeks ago, Elliott hopes that the positives from that win are carried in to Saturday’s match.
“It’s a big game and it’s obviously the next game so it’s the biggest game we’ve got,” he said.
[pullquote]I’ve enjoyed playing at this level and every game I feel like I’m getting better and I’m getting more confidence.[/pullquote]
“We’re going to be positive and after that great result against Inverness we can hopefully take the good points from that game in to the Dundee game on Saturday.”
He added: “I’ve enjoyed playing at this level and every game I feel like I’m getting better and I’m getting more confidence.
“It is a relegation battle but we’re all relishing the challenge.”
Dundee arrive at Fir Park under the stewardship of new boss Neil McCann, who takes charge of his first game as interim manager tomorrow afternoon.
And the travelling Dee supporters will be keen to see their new manager lead them out of their seven game losing streak as the post-split fixtures get underway.
Two points separate the visitors from the Steelmen, only adding to the importance of Saturday’s Premiership clash.
Goals from Alex D’Acol and Michael Devlin dealt the Dark Blues a crucial blow two weeks ago, resulting in the club sacking Paul Hartley.
They moved swiftly to appoint McCann though – announcing their new boss the following day.
And while they have endured a tough run, the appointment of a new gaffer will certainly boost confidence and belief around the club as they arrive in Lanarkshire.
They will be further boosted in the knowledge that their last league win came here at Fir Park, back in February, when they put the Steelmen to the sword by scoring five before the break and winning 5-1 to send them to 30 points and some way ahead of the basement battle.
They have remained on that tally since then though and have slid from sixth spot to eleventh in the space of nine weeks.
This weekend’s visitors boast two ex-Well men in Tom Hateley and Henrik Ojamaa.
27-year-old Hateley spent four seasons at Fir Park, scoring ten goals from his roles in midfield and in defence too whenever called upon.
He was part of the club’s most successful recent years, involved in Champions League matches and in the starting line-up for the Scottish Cup final in 2011.
Having made nearly 150 appearances in claret and amber, Tom’s career ventured to England and Poland before returning to Scotland in the summer window with Dundee.
The 27-year-old makes a step closer to his former home this weekend when he steps back out on the turf at Fir Park, for what is a crucial fixture for both sets of players, supporters and the clubs.
Estonian winger Ojamaa is set to return to parent club Go Ahead Eagles in the summer after arriving in Tayside in the January transfer window on a six-month loan spell.
And the 25-year-old enjoyed two spells in Lanarkshire starting back in 2012.
The winger started life on fire in claret and amber, scoring four goals in his first five games.
So far with Dundee, Ojamaa has provided three assists in eleven appearances, including one against the ‘Well back in February.
Tomorrow is the fourth meeting between Dundee and the Steelmen, and the third at Fir Park.
It is by far the most important meeting though, which could have a huge say in the outcome of the Premiership relegation and play-off spots.
