A Dundee Double-Header Part 2 || Motherwell vs Dundee Preview

Our double header against the City of Discovery sees the mighty aim to continue our climb up the table. Fresh from a 0-0 draw against the tangerine half of Dundee, The Well are hoping to keep the good vibes running into Christmas, and hoping to add another positive result into our current 9 game unbeaten run. Not only that, but our current run of 5 clean sheets in a row also.

As for Elvis' Dundee, December hasn't been the best for the Blues. The Dee have seen themselves pick up a single point this month, which came in last weeks 2-2 draw with Livingston. Their other 2 results were a 1-0 loss to Celtic and a 3-1 loss to Aberdeen. In fact, Dundee's last win came just before December arrived, a 3-1 win against St Mirren. Dundee have had a bizarre time of it, with that result and a 2-0 win over Celtic their only 2 wins since he 19th of October (2 wins in 9).

Form

Motherwell's form remains steadfast though a little lacking in wins. The defensive performance of the team of late is, in my lifetime, unprecedented. Such was the form that the manager sought fit to extend Callum Ward's contract - likely not something many of us were expecting in August.

Dundee are a peculiar team this year. Many had Elvis tipped to be the first sacking of the year, but he's outlived Russell Martin, Brendan Rodgers, Stuart Kettlewell, and, if you believe the rumours, possibly Wilfred Nancy also. Dundee really aren't a team to be underestimated; the dark blue have managed to secure wins against the Premier Sports League Cup winners and Celtic (pre-Nancy, it must be said).

From the manager: Jens Berthel Askou previews Dundee

Every time you try to do something a little bit different and have a little bit of success, there'll always be some views and opinions about who you are and what you do.

Askou was firstly asked by the media press on how he's feeling about the run that Motherwell are on. Ever the stoic, Askou said that it's better than being at the wrong end of the table, but league positions aren't something that his team or staff ever largely focuses on. Following up, the press asked if the work starts here now, trying to turn draws into wins. Askou responded, somewhat romantically, saying that the hard work started when they were very small and started playing with a football, when they fell in love with the game. Though a hobby that turned into work, he says that this project isn't starting from scratch. Askou then states though that his team are constantly improving and building on the work from before - most notably, turning the recent draws into wins.

Askou was then asked about the January transfer window, after the press asked if he would be looking to bolster his attacking options. Not giving too much away, Askou mentioned that every team wants to improve in the window, but it will be far quieter than the summer's mammoth window. The manager was then asked about the financial outlook for the window, and Askou said that he is constantly talking with the chairman and CEO and says that the dialogue is very positive.

One journalist asks "How do you deal with the success of this season, and how teams want to start to hunt Motherwell down, how do you deal with that mentality shift"? Askou said that this is something the team have had to work with early on, referencing St Mirren not watering the pitch and other teams putting the footballs further back from the goal to prevent quicker goal kicks. He expands by saying he doesn't dwell on these things, every team tries to find the little details they need to win matches. He welcomes it, in fact.

Interestingly, the press commented on a recent YouTube video released by the club. The video features Eli Just and Callum Ward dissecting the month of November. In the game against Hearts, one of their players or staff members says "Come on boys, into these f***ing arrogant c**nts". Elliot Watt responds with a simple "Come on boys, we've all heard that". Askou says that he doesn't put too much thought into being labelled arrogant and expands by saying, everytime you try to do something a little bit different and you do it with a little bit of success, there'll always be some views and opinions about who you are and what you do.

Focus then shifts to the Dundee match, with the press asking if three points against Dundee becomes more important due to playing Celtic and Rangers immediately afterwards. Askou, predictably, states that no matter what team they play, at any time of the season, it's three points he's playing for. He says 'It [Dundee] is the next game. The next game is always the most important game'.

A reporter then asks that now fan expectation are high, how does he get players and himself to deal with that. He says he welcomes it, and it's a good thing that people are expecting more. It's part of an exciting time at the Club and better than to come here [Fir Park] expecting another loss or toothless draw. He also says that we want to see how far we can take the club, take the players, he says that the pressure is natural and is only a positive thing. This, for me, was incredibly welcome - I recall some previous managers and staff who, after an iota of success, said that they had now become victims of their own success and people were expecting too much of them. Challenging that mentality can only be welcome.

Another reporter then states teams are showing us respect by sitting deeper and how Motherwell adapt to that. Askou says he can't compare previous Motherwell teams, but he understands other teams will prepare accordingly against the way Motherwell set up. He emphasises that what's important for his team is that their plan is always better than the other. Askou also says that some teams respond by playing higher and going man-to-man too.

Focus returns to the match day squad. Askou informs us that Welsh has been in training and will be fine for the weekend. Oxborough is nearly fully back, McGhee is also nearing his return, and others are progressing well.

From the player: Emmanuel Longelo previews Dundee

The press begin with telling Longelo that they were speaking about the form with the manager, and asks if Longelo is surprised at this success so far. He says that yeah, but he always believed in the vision after speaking to the manager. He talks him up, stating Askou is a man-to-man manager who has a good relationship with all the players.

The conversation then shifts to Wayne Rooney, as the Manchester United legend brought Longelo into the squad at Birmingham. Repeating the question in the earlier press conference, a reporter mentions that there's now a target on their back. Longelo says it's just a case of getting on with it and doing the best they can.

Another reporter asks about the previous encounter with Dundee and what Motherwell have learned from it. Longelo states that it's going to get nasty now, with teams really battling to take points from us. Asked if there's more to come from this Motherwell team, Longelo says there probably is, but he really doesn't want to get ahead of himself.

On dealing with the pressure, Longelo feels it's just a matter of concentrating on what they can control. Another reporter asks on his perception of Scottish football, to which Longelo replies that it's lived up to what he's heard and seen: it's physical, enjoyable, and the standard is really good. Longelo is then asked on the camaraderie of the squad, particularly with the rotation going on, and he says that everybody is keen to take their chance when it's given and all the players are rooting for each other.

On the match

It's no controversy that Motherwell walk into this game as favourites. Dominating performances against, with all due respect, far better teams than Dundee give Motherwell the title of the bookie's favourite. Although on paper it may be a bit of a struggle for the Dee, we all know the game is played on grass (or sometimes plastic but that's another story). The Dark Blues are more than capable of surprising teams and causing an upset, their win against Celtic in October is testament to this. It's going to be cagey, and Elvis will have set up his team to counter our style, but we're expecting Motherwell to pull through and continue the unbeaten run.