Motherwell

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou says Hampden Park should be the venue for cup semi-finals despite it likely being less than half full on Saturday when the Steelmen face St Mirren.

The Fir Park club have sold nearly 8,500 tickets and expect to sell more with the Dane believing it's important for the football culture in Scotland that fans and clubs get the experience of going to the national stadium.

"It means a lot, especially a club of our size, to give that to our fans," said Askou. "It's fantastic support.

"It shows how many people around Motherwell are looking forward to that game and how big an occasion it is for them.

"It's nice for people around Scotland to give more people around Scotland who make sure that this football culture up here is special, that they get the experience to go to Hampden."

Askou revealed Motherwell have been practising penalties with the "heart rate up" to be well prepared if the game goes the distance.

"The only thing that we have done a little bit differently [in preparation] is that we have practised penalties a little bit more lately and tried to incorporate that in the small-sided games, so it has been given an edge of competitiveness, and also with a little bit of heart rate up when we take the penalties," he said.

"We do penalties in the break, and then the heart rate is up, it's competitive, instead of doing it 10-15 minutes after training.

"So far it's looked good, they've been banging in penalties in the back of the net. So if we need that, then we feel confident that we can be successful in that aspect as well."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been talking to the media before the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against St Mirren this weekend.

Here are the key points:

• The Dane believes Hampden should be the venue for cup semi-finals despite it likely being less than half-full on Saturday, with Motherwell having sold nearly 8,500 tickets.

• Askou adds: "It means a lot, especially a club of our size, to give that to our fans. It's fantastic support. It shows how many people around Motherwell are looking forward to that game and how big an occasion it is for them."

• After rising to fifth place in the Premiership following the 2-0 win over Dundee United, Askou says it's "good to be where we are and we want to stay there" although form will be "reset" when the semi-final gets under way.

• He insists Motherwell don't need to reach the final to foster more belief in what they are doing, but it would be "another indication that the club is moving in the right direction".

• The Dane admitted his side have extensively practised penalties and if they "need that then we feel confident we can be successful".

• Stephen O'Donnell and Tawanda Maswanhise should be fit, with Aston Oxborough likely to remain on the sidelines.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

The plaudits have been glowing and growing for Motherwell this season.

Now they're heading to Hampden on Saturday in the League Cup semi-finals buoyant after the dominant 2-0 victory over Dundee United.

With some silly ball possession stats, solid defending, and a beautiful team goal, was Wednesday night the epitome of Jens Berthel Askou's vision?

Motherwell passed Dundee United off the park in the first half. They had 72% ball possession, 200 more passes than United, 12 touches in the opposition box, but yet just one goal.

It was a well-worked goal through, cutting down the left-hand channel where Longelo swept the ball to Maswanhise who tucked home.

The stats shouldn't shock those who have watched Motherwell this season. Only Rangers and Celtic have enjoyed more possession in this campaign.

They rank third for accurate passes. Fourth for expected goals, big chances, and touches in the opposition box.

Against Rangers, in the first game of the season, they drew 1-1 but massively outperformed their opposition in xG.

But sometimes stats don't tell the whole story. Against St Mirren, their opposition this Saturday, Motherwell dominated the ball with 66% possession, played 600 passes. That game ended goalless.

United offer 'perfect preparation' for semi-final

Askou was quietly pleased with the performance against United, and he wasn't the only one impressed.

Jim Goodwin, while dismayed at his side's performance, could not hide his admiration of Motherwell's display.

"We were really poor on the night, but I don't want to take anything away from Motherwell - I thought they were excellent, particularly in the first half," the United boss said.

"Motherwell want the press, want you to come on to them, they want to break lines and take your midfield out the game. They caused us numerous problems.

But it's not really about getting your flowers from opposition managers. It's about winning games, and Askou knows that.

"In many ways it was the perfect preparation," the Dane said on Wednesday night.

"With a little more quality and freshness in some of the guys' legs, we could have probably created another big chance or two to finish off the game even earlier.

"Right now, we're seeing a lot of good performances from a lot of different players - that's exactly what we need."

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-0 win against Dundee United.

Here's what some of you said:

Mark: Thoroughly enjoyed the match again. Value for money for the ticket. Passed the ball well and Dundee Utd never got a sniff in the first half. Very impressive that we could afford to leave out several starting players. The second half seems to be a problem. The players look drained after all the effort in the first 45. Hopefully the manager will get that sorted out soon. Great times for the 'Well.

Alan: A well deserved victory which sets us up for the semi-final on Saturday. We controlled the first half very well and Callum Slattery was on fire with his energy, running and ability to see passes. We still require more incisive scoring power up front but the combination from Emmanuel Longelo, Regan Charles-Cook, Mason Clark and Tawanda Maswanhise was impressive. Elliot Watt's goal was a beauty.

Watch the goals as Motherwell beat Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership (UK only).

Motherwell head into Saturday's League Cup semi-final on a high after recording consecutive Scottish Premiership victories for the first time this season by downing Dundee United.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells BBC Scotland: "The win is important but the performance was more important because we needed to raise it from the other day [against Livingston]. It wasn't good enough.

"Many other times, had we delivered that performance, we would not have won the game. We might as well have lost it. Today was much better, much more controlled and dominant.

"The first half we were in full control, and it opened up a little. They tried to be man-to-man orientated. The second goal killed the game off a little and then we had good defensive structure at the end.

"I'm pleased with most of them. [Tawanda] has been decisive and scored some very important goals. That's what he's here for, he plays up front. We try to get him in good positions. He just needs to make sure he's there.

"I'm not overly concerned with any of [the injuries] but we'll have to see tomorrow and Friday. If for some reason, one is not ready to play on Saturday, we have a lot of good players in the squad.

"The three points we got at Livingston - we didn't do enough to deserve them. There have been other performances where we have deserved the points more. It's about us being better and more efficient and we are working on that."

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• Motherwell have won their past two home games against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, with those games seeing a combined 12 goals (3-2 in May 2023, 4-3 in December 2024).

• United have only won one of their past six away league visits to Motherwell (D1 L4), a 2-1 victory in April 2023.

• Motherwell's last home league game was a 2-1 defeat to Falkirk – ending their eight-game unbeaten run at Fir Park in the Scottish Premiership (W4 D4).

• United remain unbeaten in their four away league games this season (W1 D3), last going five without defeat on the road in the Premiership in October 2021.

• United's Jim Goodwin has lost seven of his 17 Scottish Premiership games against Motherwell as a manager (W5 D5), only losing more in the competition against Rangers (14), Celtic (11), and Hibernian (9).

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Goalkeeper Aston Oxborough is out of the Motherwell squad with a hand injury. Long-term absentees Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee), Eseosa Sule, Jordan McGhee (both thigh) and Zach Robinson (Achilles) remain sidelined.

Dundee United remain without Ross Graham and Max Watters (both hamstring). Isaac Pappoe (knee) is out long term.

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Motherwell midfielder Callum Slattery is determined to build on a late match-winning assist on his return from injury.

The 26-year-old came off the bench and set up Elijah Just's stoppage-time winner at Livingston on Saturday after two months on the sidelines.

Motherwell host Dundee United on Wednesday night and Slattery said: "First and foremost, it's nice just to be back with the group.

"Then to come off the bench and make an impact, that's the plan when you come off the bench, no matter what.

"If you've been out injured or you've been fit the whole time, you want to make an impact in games no matter what.

"So I think just because I've had an injury, once it's behind me, it's behind me.

"I just had a small knock in training that I wanted to be cautious with. So that's what we did.

"I wouldn't say it was a worry. It was just more precaution and making sure everything was right before rushing back.

"I just want to concentrate on playing football, playing well and helping the team win games."

Caleb Akpo-Young
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before his side's meeting with Dundee United at Fir Park on Wednesday night.

Here are the main points from his press conference:

• Goalkeeper Aston Oxborough has picked up an injury, with the club assessing the extent of it. Askou revealed "he won't be able to play the coming games", with fellow keeper Mathew Connelly being recalled from his loan spell at Airdrieonians.

• Askou acknowledged the strong squad at his disposal and says he has "many players who could easily start" for him.

• He is relishing the "big game" against United and says Motherwell have ambitions to to finish above the Tannadice side.

• Despite victory at Livingston last weekend, the Dane did not feel Motherwell's performance "was very good" and says performance levels "need to be a lot better" going forward.

• Askou discussed the importance of league positioning but says it "means most" after 33 games when the league splits in half.

• On Callum Slattery's return to the side: "He's a very good player and he's been extremely important to this team for many years now. You can see his intensity and his passion and drive to come in and change a game. It's something we've been missing and his qualities so it's great to have him back."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Elijah Just: The New Zealander has been a revelation for Motherwell. Sealed the win away to Livingston with a fine strike high into the net deep in stoppage time.

Watch Motherwell great James McFadden praise the influence of Elijah Just and Callum Slattery following the Fir Park side's late win at Livingston.

Watch Sportscene analysis of the penalty incidents in Motherwell's 2-1 victory at Livingston

Watch highlights from Motherwell's dramatic victory at Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.

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Stephen Craigan expects Motherwell's win over Livingston to "galvanise" the squad after a difficult spell.

The former Well defender was pleased to see a "ruthless" side to the Fir Park club as they picked up their second win of the Premiership season and expects them to kick on from the victory.

"I think, first of all, they probably just edged the game," Craigan told BBC Scotland.

"Clearly their style of play is something that catches your eye. They were very efficient in front of goal. They only had two shots on target and they got two goals.

"I think they probably have had more chances or better chances in other games and haven't taken them so I think that will please the manager that they've been ruthless with the opportunities that they've had.

"They played okay. I'd imagine they'll play better. I don't think the pitch helped. Sometimes you come here to Livingston and it's watered quite a lot, it wasn't watered at all so clearly Livingston were aware of Motherwell's style of play and they've tried to combat that a little bit.

"I think the pitch was a bit sticky, there wasn't a lot of pace in the game so the ball didn't really run as fast as what it should do on a surface like this. So that probably played into the hands of Livingston and slowed Motherwell up a little bit.

"But it's just about finding a way to win a game of football. If you're playing well and you're always getting plaudits and you're not getting points, sometimes the players can become a little bit disheartened and the message from the manager dulls down a little bit.

"I think a win sometimes just galvanises everyone again so I think that's the biggest thing they'll take from the game."

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-1 win against Livingston.

Here's what some of you said:

Mark: Elijah Just take a bow! What a game from the guy and what a goal! First half of the game was questionable but the turnaround for the second 45 minutes was outstanding. Dreadful performance from the referee however, the standard of officiating in Scotland needs changing.

James: Not our finest performance, but a much needed win. Callum Slattery made a big difference, Just was tremendous. Take the win any day of the week.

Ross: Another match, another baffling VAR decision. The operators are determined to ruin the product on display by their inability to implement it correctly. Thankfully, justice was done in the end otherwise the fallout would be much worse. A much welcomed three points.

Brian: Not at our best by any means at all but three points at last, Just was immense, not for the first time this season, he took the game by the horns and ran the show.

Grant: Was a tough watch at times but we got the three points, great to have players back from injury and hopefully we can build on the result with Dundee United in midweek and the cup game on Saturday.

John: Massive result, as great performances and no results builds pressure on everyone. Beat United and St Mirren this week and it could create a great season. Come on the 'Well!

Taylor: First half was the worst I have watched this season and the second half against Falkirk was hard to beat. Livingston will be gutted as they were the better team. Motherwell are playing great football until it reaches the final third but unfortunately it's results that matter and we haven't had enough wins. It's frustrating watching us struggle against recently promoted teams. Wednesday will be a good test before a tough semi-final. Jens Berthel Askou drop Calum Ward, too many bomb scare moments, and give Aston Oxborough game time.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Elijah Just says Motherwell are "already thinking about Wednesday" following their dramatic victory over Livingston.

After being denied by the offside flag, Just scored the winning goal for Jens Berthel Askou's side in West Lothian to move the Fir Park club up to sixth in the Premiership table.

They face Dundee United on Wednesday night before Saturday's League Cup semi-final against St Mirren.

"We're really happy, but already we're thinking about Wednesday and our next fixture," Just said.

"When the games are coming so fast we're just looking at game after game and we have to keep playing well.

"I think we're playing well, but we've left a lot of points on the table so we need to keep working hard. When the results go our way a little bit better I'll enjoy it even more.

"Where we are in the table and the congestion of teams, three points is really important. We will take care of Wednesday and then look ahead to the weekend."

Elijah Just provided a dramatic moment of inspiration as his injury-time winner earned Motherwell a thrilling last-gasp Scottish Premiership win over Livingston.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells BBC Scotland: "A lot of emotions there. We went through a very difficult game. Big credit to Livingston for really making it hard for us.

"They were a threat all the way through and we had to provide two big moments to make sure we won. The first half lacked quality, but we stepped up second half.

"It wasn't perfect, but it became better, and we lifted out quality in the small moments which led to two goals.

"Elijah is a very good player, who has started very well for us, and hopefully that continues. It was good to see Slats [Slattery[ back, we've missed him. There was some moments of light for us today, and the win is massive.

"Every day is a step in the right direction. Every day there are bumps, last week was a bump. Today, there were plenty of bumps but we got over them.

"We need to look at things we can improve, we have to. We had full control in the first 15 to 20 minutes, but we made it open.

"Big credit to Davie and Livingston also deserved something from this game after that performance, but we were sharper in the decisive moments. That decided the game today."

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Three changes to the Motherwell side after their topsy-turvy loss by Falkirk last week.

Liam Gordon and Stephen O'Donnell return to defence, replacing Paul McGinn and Johnny Koutroumbis.

Up top, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos comes in for Callum Hendry, looking to keep up his good goalscoring form after three goals in his past three Premiership games.