Motherwell vs Dundee United Prediction: Steelmen to edge tight Fir Park clash

Mid-table Motherwell welcome third-placed Dundee United to Fir Park on Wednesday night (19:45 BST) in a Scottish Premiership encounter that could have a major impact on the race for European places.

Below are my Motherwell vs Dundee United predictions, supported by the latest team news and match odds.

The Steelmen got back on track with a dramatic last-minute winner against Livingston on Saturday as Apostolos Stamatelopoulos netted his fourth goal in as many matches.

That halted a two-game losing slide and means Jens Berthel Askou’s men can overtake the Tangerines with a win on Wednesday.

But Jim Goodwin’s side are unbeaten in their last three matches, winning one and drawing two. They battled back from a goal down to defeat St. Mirren on Saturday, with in-form Australian striker Zac Sapsford bagging his fifth of the season in the first half.

Motherwell have won their last three matches against Dundee United at Fir Park, with an aggregate score of 9-6. The last meeting between the two sides came at Tannadice back in February, where Sam Dalby’s first-half header split the sides.

Team News

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou could hand a start to Callum Slattery after the midfielder made a major impact as a substitute on Saturday on his return from injury.

Stamatelopoulos scored on his return to the side up front and could keep Callum Hendry on the bench again, while Stephen O’Donnell is now being favoured over club captain Paul McGinn at right-back.

Football Odds

As for Dundee United, Isaac Pappoe, Max Watters and Ross Graham are not expected to feature due to injuries, while Luca Stephenson is a doubt for the Tangerines.

Motherwell vs Dundee United Odds

Motherwell are 21/20 to take all three points, with Dundee United priced at 13/5 and the draw available at 13/5. Over 2.5 goals is 4/5, while both teams to score is 4/6. Stamatelopoulos is 4/1 to score first, with Tawanda Maswanhise and Regan Charles-Cook both priced at 6/1.

Motherwell to win @ 23/20

The Steelmen have lost only once at Fir Park this season and could have too much energy and quality in midfield for the visitors after the triumphant return of Slattery.

Motherwell have averaged almost 20 shots and over four on target per home game, and their pressing style has caused problems for visiting sides.

Today's Football Fixtures

Dundee United remain unbeaten on the road in the league, but won only one of four fixtures and conceded multiple goals in the other three.

Their low possession numbers suggest they’ll be under pressure for long spells, and Motherwell’s ability to dominate at home could prove decisive.

Bet Builder – Motherwell to win, Elijah Just to score anytime & Zac Sapsford to score anytime @ 18/1

In Elijah Just, Motherwell have found a gem of a number 10 to supply red-hot striker Stamatelopoulos, and their defence looked much better for the return of O’Donnell on Saturday.

Just scored the Steelmen’s late winner at Livingston after having an earlier goal chalked off by VAR for offside.

Dundee United have conceded in all but one of their Premiership away games this season, and shipped multiple goals in four of their last five trips across all competitions, so backing Just to score again here could be worthwhile.

But Sapsford has been a bright spark up front for the Tangerines too and, after his free-kick brought them back on terms against St Mirren, he now has five goals and three assists in 13 games.

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