Michael Wimmer eyeing top-six shortcut to survival in last game before split

Michael Wimmer is in optimistic mood going into Motherwell’s most important game of the season so far when they host Hearts in the crunch final pre-split game.

The race to avoid the bottom six in the Premiership culminates this weekend with the Jambos travelling to Lanarkshire on Saturday in sixth place on 39 points with a goal difference of minus one.

St Mirren, at home to Ross County, are seventh with 38 points and a goal difference of minus 10 while the Steelmen are one place behind on the same points with a goal difference of minus 19.

Adding to the importance of the split is the fact only five points separate Hearts from Dundee in the relegation play-off spot, with St Johnstone a further five adrift.

Asked if was the biggest game of the season for Motherwell, given victory could keep them safe in the league for another season, Well boss Wimmer said: “Yes, of course.

“If St Mirren also win, we have no chance to go into the top six, but points are so important.

“I agree, it’s also important to stay in the league and this is also very, very important for me to have a secure situation.

“It’s always easier if the pressure is not so high, instead of this kind of pressure.”

Former Austria Vienna boss Wimmer arrived at Fir Park in February and has taken seven points from his first six games in charge.

He said of this weekend’s scenario: “This is similar, for example, to Austria. If the smaller clubs reach the top six, you have security and you can plan your next season without pressure. It’s a perfect situation.

“Of course, everybody tries to reach this. But if not, then life goes on and you have to keep working to get to the next point in the other games.

“This game is only important now and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I think our spectators, our fans will support us. They also deserve a good result. The last games have been away games, they travelled a lot and we didn’t get the results. So, as I said before, it’s a perfect game.

“I feel happy. I feel happy that we have the chance to win the race to the top six, that we have the chance to reach the top six. I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to this game.”

Wimmer revealed defender Liam Gordon will miss the game with concussion and while defender Steve Seddon has returned to training following an ankle problem, he is not available for the weekend.