St Mirren suffered a luckless 1-0 loss at Celtic on Sunday
Motherwell earned a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Rangers
Recommended bet: Draw
St Mirren got no points from their Premiership opener, Motherwell just one, yet both have to be full of optimism going into Saturday’s showdown in Paisley.
Saints had Celtic hanging on for a 1-0 win on Sunday, 24 hours after the Well had given Rangers the runaround in a 1-1 draw.
The latest St Mirren vs Motherwell odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
St Mirren boss handed youngster Fraser Taylor a first start in central midfield against Celtic but hooked him at half-time. His replacement, Jonah Ayunga, could start in his place.
Wing-back Scott Tanser has missed the last two matches and is a doubt.
Liam Gordon limped out of Motherwell's 1-1 draw with Rangers so Stephen O'Donnell is on standby to step in.
West Brom loanee Eseosa Sule is carrying an injury that has forced him to miss two matches.
The stats
St Mirren and Motherwell have each lost only one of their last 11 competitive matches.
Saints have scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight at home.
Seven of the last 10 meetings between these sides have produced two goals or less.
There was at least one red card shown in each of the three meetings between these two teams last season.
The latest St Mirren vs Motherwell odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
It is early days but there is already a sense that St Mirren and Motherwell will be challenging for the top six this season after positive starts to the season.
Having strengthened in the summer, both clubs topped their League Cup groups with unbeaten runs and both got the Old Firm sweating on the opening weekend.
Stephen Robinson's St Mirren looked supremely well organised in their 1-0 loss at Celtic and that defensive discipline remains the bedrock of his side's success in acquiring three top-six finishes on the bounce.
As for Motherwell, they have taken a punt on Danish boss Jens Berthel Askou and the early signs are more than encouraging.
Motherwell only scored 19 goals in 20 away games last term but already look more forward-thinking under Askou, and they will ask questions of the Saints' back five.
The Steelmen did not lose against St Mirren last term and can avoid defeat at St Mirren Park again on Saturday.
