Inverness vs Morton – Match Preview

by Dean McKinnon

Morton will look to resurrect their fortunes in the Highlands on Saturday, travelling up the A9 to lock horns with Billy Dodds’ Inverness. Following defeat to Arbroath at Cappielow last week, Dougie Imrie’s side are now five league matches without a win and would love a repeat of the Grant Gillespie inspired victory from earlier in the campaign.

Photo - GBR Photographs.

Squad Update

Imrie is expected to delve into the loan market for cover on the left side of defence, following a serious injury to Lewis Strapp at Parkhead. Strapp’s spell on the sideline leaves Alex King and Calvin Miller as the only two options at left back.

Veteran defender Alan Lithgow left the club this week by mutual consent. The former Hearts youth player has struggled with injury this season and last night signed for Lowland League side East Kilbride.

Current Connections 

Connections between the two sides are thin on the ground, with neither team having a player that has appeared for the other. 

Wallace Duffy joined Morton on loan from St Johnstone in September 2020, only for this decision to be reversed a few days later. Duffy subsequently joined Inverness on a two year deal.

The most notable connection is Morton manager Dougie Imrie. Imrie moved from Clyde to Inverness on the last day of the January transfer window in 2008 for £45,000. He spent two seasons with the Caley Jags before moving to Hamilton for £25,000 in January 2010.

Tale of the Tape 

Morton claimed three vital points on the road on Matchday Five, inflicting defeat on the Caley Jags for the first time this season. The match looked to be heading for a stalemate before Wallace Duffy was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area in the 85th minute, with skipper Grant Gillespie making no mistake from the spot. 

The Ton recorded a comfortable home victory over Billy Dodds’ side on Matchday Thirteen, a fixture in which Morton hailed the arrival of Efe Ambrose. The hosts got off to a great start when a Robbie Muirhead shot was palmed into the net by goalkeeper Mark Ridgers. Skipper Grant Gillespie doubled his side’s lead, rebounding the ball home after his initial penalty was saved. David Carson compounded his side’s misery by heading into his own net in the closing stages of the first half. Cammy Blues rounded off an excellent night’s work for the Greenock side, finishing off a stunning Lewis McGrattan pass with aplomb. 

Photo - GBR Photographs.

Opposition Analysis 

The Highland side’s fortunes have improved after a tough December. After sneaking past Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup, Billy Dodds’ side lost to Dundee and Hamilton before a 5-1 mauling at the hands of Partick.

They successfully reset following the poor December run and appear to have found their shooting boots of late. The Caley Jags hit Cove Rangers for six, overran Arbroath 4-1 and drew 2-2 with Raith Rovers in their last league encounter. Saturday’s results placed Inverness above Morton for the first time this season, and the hosts will be hoping that a spot in the play-off places is their reward for their upturn in form.

Photo - GBR Photographs.

Betting Guide 

All match odds are provided by McBookie. Odds are correct as of 8am on 2nd February 2023 and are subject to change. Please only gamble within your means and visit BeGambleAware.com if you are struggling. 

Inverness enter Saturday’s encounter as the bookies’ favourites, pegged at 8/5 to take all three points. The draw is priced at 11/5, with The Ton 6/4 to claim their second victory of the season in Inverness.

The Ton are 21/10 to keep a clean sheet for the third consecutive match against Billy Dodds’ side. There may be value in the cards market, with Jai Quitongo and Grant Gillespie priced at 8/11 and Evs respectively to find their way into the referee’s notebook during this encounter. 

Match Officials

Referee - Calum Scott

AR1 - Paul McAvinue

AR2 - Scott Anderson