- Motherwell have won three and drawn two of their last five, beating HJK Helsinki 2-0 at home after a 0-0 draw with Falkirk FC.
- Stenhousemuir have won four and drawn one of their last five, including a 2-0 home win over Championship side Greenock Morton.
Tough test for top-flight Motherwell in West Lothian
Motherwell head to Ochilview Park to face Stenhousemuir on Sunday and while the visitors are the clear favourites to win in the match result market, we feel the hosts can make a better case for a result.
It may be a surprise to learn that Motherwell are as short as 7/25 for this cup match against Stenhousemuir, while Stenhousemuir are 8/1 and the draw is 4/1. Although the gulf in class between the two teams is clear, we don't think there is anything like enough value in backing the visitors here.
The hosts have won seven, drawn two and lost only once in their last 10 games in all competitions, a run of results that speaks volumes about how they are going to approach this game. Marvin Bartley has them well drilled in their 4-2-3-1 system which is built to frustrate the opposition by sitting deep, protecting the box before springing forward on the break.
Well should have enough to win
It will be a tough afternoon for Alfred Johansson's Motherwell side, who like to play on the front foot, press high up the pitch and get the ball down to play. They will get territory and crosses in this game, but they could have a hard time breaking down the Stenhousemuir defensive block.
Motherwell have five wins, two draws and three defeats in their last 10 in all competitions, so they are in decent form but less ruthless than their hosts. The Steelmen have three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five away, scoring an average of 1.40 goals per game on the road.
Stenhousemuir are 4-0-1 at home this season, scoring an average of 2.60 and conceding 1.40 goals. They will make this a tough game for Motherwell and their shape and home advantage looks good enough to justify a draw.
BTTS Yes the play
BTTS Yes at 17/20 looks a live angle for this cup tie, but Motherwell's probing style and Stenhousemuir's low block should keep the game tight enough for under 2.5 goals at 69/50 to appeal as well.
