Motherwell v St Mirren: Same dream but ‘contrary styles’ at Hampden

The only confrontation between these two teams this season ended in a goalless draw in August.

Motherwell had 66% of possession on the day but lacked high-end ability, and injury meant they played without a centre-forward.

St Mirren had the best chances, but the draw meant they had won just two of their last 16 league meetings with the Lanarkshire club and were unbeaten in six.

Motherwell may be four points better off in the Premier League and in better form, but it feels like a 50-50 relationship.

Fir Park have won four of their past six matches, including a quarter-final win at Aberdeen.

Through 10 league games, they have scored twice as many goals as St Mirren (16 to 8) but have conceded more goals than Paisley (13 to 12).

With left-back Emanuel Lungelo and midfielder Elliot Watt, both signed in the summer, Motherwell boast two players who are among the top players in the Premier League so far this season.

Meanwhile, St Mirren have won once in five matches since defeating Kilmarnock on penalties in the quarter-finals.

But an impressive display against league leaders Hearts in midweek showed all the redeeming qualities in Robinson’s side, who posed a serious threat from set-pieces.

“The styles are really contrasting between the two sides,” Neil McCann, a BBC Scotland expert, told Sportscene.

“If Motherwell dominates the game, it will be difficult for St Mirren. You could see St Mirren going old school and making Motherwell defend direct balls like they did against Hearts.

“I’m leaning towards Motherwell because of the big stadium at Hampden. I make them favourites. But the way Robinson pushes his teams to play, he’ll come up with a game plan to negate the space.”