SCOTLAND SPL ..............

MOTHERWELL - ST MIRREN

WRITTEN THURSDAY MORNING....

Saints have relegation concerns, but after this round the SPL splits in two, so they will have a further five games against bottom half opponents to preserve their status. That is not to say that they would not like a little breathing space and some points from this encounter, but they might be distracted by next week's Scottish Cup semi-final with Rangers and have also had 48 hours less recovery time that Motherwell, after playing a tough game with Hibernian on Monday. I watched that and Saints did a lot of running in nasty conditions, it is only natural that some players might be tired, especially with this a lunchtime kickoff and one or two might have an eye on the cup game, the club's biggest match in recent seasons, played before a big television audience.

Hosts are currently seventh one point behind Hibernian, who host title chasing Rangers on Sunday. Therefore, a win would leave them in the driving seat and mean that Hibs would have to do likewise, to secure a top six finish. The incentive is huge, as it means games against Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Aberdeen and Dundee United, instead of trips to Inverness and Hamilton. The difference in revenue is huge and there is no doubt that this is Well's biggest game of the season. Home team have slashed admission prices for the game, in order to get as much support as possible behind the team, they finished third in the SPL last season and to miss out on a top six place this time, would have major financial implications at the club.

7.5 points Motherwell -1/2 ball 1.80 + ........ up to 1.90 in a place.

Good Luck.