Tomorrow Morton begin the 2009/10 Irn-Bru Scottish First Division season in the hardest possible way - a trip to Dens Park to play overwhelming title favourites Dundee.So far this summer Davie Irons has been alternating between 4-5-1 and 4-3-3 formations depending on the level of opposition. In the two cup games against lower league opposition he went with the 4-3-3, but chose the 4-5-1 for the Renfrewshire Cup final. I'd suggest that it's very likely that he'll go back to the 4-5-1 for tomorrow's match in the hope we can stifle the opposition and take something back to Greenock.
We are still without Dominic Shimmin and Kevin Cuthbert but Jim McAlister has returned from his trial at Watford and will play according to Irons. Shimmin and Cuthbert aside we are at full strength and you'd expect the manager to persevere with the same personnel that won 3-1 at Cowdenbeath albeit with McAlister and Kevin Finlayson playing a bit further back.
The lack of summer signings means that we have a fairly settled squad and this may be the main reason why we can snatch something from this game. Dundee have strengthened their side significantly with the additions of Leigh Griffiths, Gary Harkins, Chris Casement, Richie Hart, Sean Higgins and Pat Clarke. These players might take time to settle and gel as a team. However, you could also argue that they are of a sufficient standard that they will still have too much for us - a view I subscribe to, although I hope I'm wrong.
According to Dundee's official website two players are certain not to play: Mickael Antoine-Curier misses out due to suspension and Craig McKeown is injured. There are doubts over the fitness of Rab Douglas and Eric Paton. Tony Bullock will deputise between the sticks if Douglas doesn't make it and that could be a big bonus for us as the former Scotland keeper was immense last season, particularly in the second match at Dens Park in which we drew 0-0. I'd also read that Gary MacKenzie, David Cowan and Pat Clarke were doubtful but the Dundee preview suggests that they all played a part in a friendly against Antwerp and should be okay for Saturday.
I'm not optimistic about tomorrow but neither do I think we will take the hammering some fans think we will. I can see us getting everyone behind the ball to frustrate Dundee but eventually conceding around about the 75th minute and losing 1-0.
Admisson Prices*
Adults: £17
Concessions (Senior Citizens, Under-16s and students with valid matric cards): £10
*from Bryan's post on the greenockmorton.org: here
Last Meeting
04.04.2009 - Scottish 1st Division
Morton 2 - 0 Dundee
Possible line up
Halliwell
McGuffie Greacen McManus Monti
Finlayson Masterton MacFarlane Jenkins McAlister
Weatherson
Betting (high street prices)McGuffie Greacen McManus Monti
Finlayson Masterton MacFarlane Jenkins McAlister
Weatherson
Morton are best priced at 18/5 with
.Dundee are 4/6 with
, 
and 
.The Draw is 3/1 with
.My Predicition
Dundee 1 - 0 Morton
6/1 with
.Greenock Telegraph - Allan: Dundee Tie Is A Must-Win (07.08.2009)
dundeefc.co.uk - Morton preview
oddschecker.com - Dundee v Morton
1 comment:
Your predictions were very accurate! The match was overall pretty enjoyable. I've already suggested we'll end up in the top four this season, but it's Ironic to hear the Manager make this sort of comment. (from today's 'Herald').
Dejected Davie Irons, the manager of Morton, said: "We are disappointed, but we are only disappointed because we feel we should have got something out of the game. In the first 45 minutes we were outstanding."
Therein lies our current problem!
It was indeed a pleasure to watch the Ton snuffle out the much vaunted Dee, but despite our fans being in good voice. Tony Bullock was as quiet as the home supporters.
If we can play like this AND begin to create chances in the box we'll be right up with the best of them.
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