McFadden backed to wound Well, St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has no doubt Stuart McCall will fire Motherwell up the table soon - but he hopes a rested James McFadden can prolong his former club's misery first.
Motherwell travel to Perth for their Friday night fixture in 11th place in the Scottish Premiership and on a run of four consecutive league defeats.
Saints are only three points ahead and have not won in five games themselves.
The form of the two teams represents a downturn in recent fortunes with Motherwell having finished second two seasons on the trot and Saints being the William Hill Scottish Cup holders.
McFadden faces Motherwell in a competitive fixture for the first time, after being released by the Fir Park club in May.
The 31-year-old only came on for the last few minutes as Saints lost 1-0 to Rangers on Tuesday night, although might have had a longer run-out had Lewis Macleod's header not prevented extra-time.
And Wright is hoping that his new forward can get up and running against the club where he made his name.
Meanwhile, McCall knows McFadden can provide the piece of magic that could decide their Friday night fixture - but he believes his own forward players are set to find form themselves.
McCall released top-earner McFadden in the summer as he shaped his squad for this season with four strikers at his disposal at the time and Bob McHugh set to return from a loan spell at Queen of the South.
The 31-year-old eventually ended up in Perth and is looking for his first goal for St Johnstone when Motherwell visit McDiarmid Park.
Midfielder Jack Leitch will begin a lengthy lay-off when his side face Saints. Leitch suffered a serious knee injury in a midweek reserve match and the problem will be diagnosed on Monday.
Paul Lawson (hamstring) and Craig Moore (knee) are close to fitness but not ready to play while Adam Cummins (foot) is out.
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Scottish Premiership
