Ross County manager Jim McIntyre expects to face a totally different Motherwell side to the one the Staggies consigned to the relegation play-off position last season.
The two sides were close competitors at the bottom end of the Premiership table last season, with little separating their four head-to-head encounters – each side winning once along with two draws at Fir Park.
County’s 2-1 win against Hamilton on the penultimate day made sure of their top-flight safety, with Motherwell defeating Rangers 6-1 over two legs in a play-off to retain their Premiership status.
McIntyre says much has changed in the short time since both clubs clinched their survival, insisting both sides will be eager to avoid a similar end of season sweat this time around.
McIntyre said: “Like ourselves, they’ve made a number of changes from the team that finished last season.
“They’ve had a couple of good results as well, winning last time out at home. Fir Park is always a difficult place to get points.
“We managed to secure a couple of results down there last years and we’ll be going down there looking to do the same again.
“It’s always good to go into the international break on positive form and results.
“Both clubs managed to do that, so it sets it up nicely for the game.”
County have a doubt over top scorer Liam Boyce, who returned from international duty with Northern Ireland nursing a calf injury.
McIntyre could be tempted to hand a start to midfielder Martin Woods, who returned to the Staggies last week following a shortlived spell with English League 1 outfit Shrewsbury Town.
McIntyre says the arrival of Woods gives him food for thought in selecting his midfield, adding: “Martin makes the competition for places that bit stronger.
“There is stiff competition in the middle of the park and he is a good signing, bringing a lot of quality. He is left-sided as well, while he also takes a decent free kick.”