In three SPL seasons we have always lost our final game before the split. We lost to Celtic in 2001 and Rangers in 2007, which is fair enough, while last season we lost to Hibs. We need to end this run tomorrow - the early kick-off gives us a chance to inflict a psychological blow on the other four teams fighting the drop, and what better place to do it than at the scene of our most remarkable escape?
It was just under two years ago that we went to Fir Park, a point ahead of bottom club Dunfermline with two games to go. The prices were slashed for the game (as they are for tomorrow) as Motherwell were only a few points better off. We were 2-0 down after 50 minutes or so before John Sutton and Billy Mehmet were brought on. In a remarkable turnaround, the pair scored three goals between them, Caley Thistle stuck two past Dunfermline and we managed to stay up. The players that are left from that day must take inspiration from the events of May 2007 - we can win when things are up against us, and we have to do so tomorrow.
Unfortunately, Sutton now plays for Motherwell and Mehmet is likely to be missing through injury. The latter is a bit of a disaster as he's our top scorer and has linked up well with Craig Dargo in recent weeks. Jim Hamilton replaced him on Monday but had a shocker, and his likely start tomorrow is hardly likely to cause his former employers any concerns. Dennis Wyness should be fit enough for the bench, while Chris Smith, Franco Miranda, Tom Brighton, Steven Robb and Steven O'Donnell are all still crocked.
John Potter's suspension means we should see Will Haining back in the defence, which will hopefully make things look a little more solid. However, I'm still not convinced about Mo Camara and Stephen McGinn on the left side of the team, but it's likely they'll start. Fortunately, the rest of the midfield did well on Monday night, with Hugh Murray showing exactly what we've missed in recent weeks.
As indicated above, Motherwell are looking for a win that would almost guarantee them a place in the top six (and all the excitement that goes with it). They were beaten at Ibrox last week, but they are still more than capable of getting the results they need - as was shown when they beat us at Fir Park in September. Sutton is in decent form and has already scored against us this season, while the likes of David Clarkson and Jim O'Brien will cause our defence a host of problems. With Mark Reynolds, Stephen Craigan and keeper Graeme Smith proving tough to beat at the back, we could be in for a long, hard game.
We desperately need the victory that will end our long, winless run and boost our chances of staying up - sadly, I don't think it'll come tomorrow.