Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson has labelled Tuesday's heavy home defeat to Aberdeen as a temporary setback. The 4-0 loss at Fir Park leaves the Steelmen with just one win in their last seven outings as they prepare for a trip to Dens Park this weekend.
Johansson described the result as a bump in the road. He must now rally his squad for a key Premiership fixture against Dundee on Saturday, a match that comes at the end of a difficult period. Motherwell have not won away from home since the opening day of the season, a 3-0 victory over Dundee United, and currently sit fifth in the table with eight points from six games.
Injury crisis deepens
The task is complicated by a significant injury and suspension list. Six first-team players are currently unavailable, including Callum Hendry, Johnny Koutroumbis, and Jordan McGhee. This shortage comes just as Dundee head coach Steven Pressley is also grappling with his own fitness problems. Pressley called it probably one of the most challenging periods, for injuries, in my time as a head coach. His striker Joe Westley, 21, is playing with a protective mask after opting against surgery for a fractured cheekbone.
Motherwell's recent form shows two consecutive defeats, having also lost 1-0 to Rangers before the international break. Their defensive solidity, which had seen them concede just nine goals in six league games, was breached four times by an Aberdeen side that had previously gone four matches without scoring. Moroccan forward Ayoub Mouloua was among the scorers for the Dons.
Midfield battle looms
The clash at Dens Park will feature a key midfield contest. Dundee's Ryan Finnigan leads the Premiership in tackles, while teammate Owen Bevan has made the most interceptions. Motherwell will need to disrupt that rhythm if they are to end their poor away run. The team's recent results, including a 3-3 draw with St Mirren and the heavy loss to Aberdeen, have seen them slip ten points behind league leaders Celtic. The upcoming match against Dundee is key as Motherwell have averaged just 1.33 points per game so far this season.
This match represents the final Premiership fixture before another international break, adding to its importance for both clubs seeking momentum. Dundee, one place below Motherwell in sixth, have not won in their last two home games. A victory for Johansson's side would solidify their top-half position and provide a much-needed boost ahead of a challenging run of fixtures. Fans can check the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
Motherwell travel to face Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday, 19 September.
More detail at bbc.com
