Preview: Motherwell vs. Hearts

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash between Motherwell and Hearts, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Motherwell will be attempting to push away from the Scottish Premiership relegation zone when they host Hearts on Saturday.

The visitors, meanwhile, currently sit fifth in the table and have the chance to break into the top four if they are able to capture three points.

Match preview

Motherwell have had a tough start to the 2023-24 campaign, managing to win just three out of their 12 matches so far which has left them heading into this weekend in ninth place.

The Steelmen have eight games without a victory, placing plenty of pressure on the team to turn things around sooner rather than later to get the campaign back on track.

With only two points between them and the relegation zone, Motherwell will be hopeful of securing a victory this weekend to try and push away from the drop zone.

While the Steelmen have had no problem finding the back of the net this season, the team have not been quite as resilient at the back, conceding 19 times so far.

Two of those came against St Johnstone in their latest outing, but Motherwell proved their fighting spirit by coming from behind to rescue a point following goals by Shane Blaney and Mike Biereth.

On the other hand, Hearts come into the game after suffering a disappointing 3-1 loss in the Scottish League Cup semi-final where Lawrence Shankland's 81st-minute penalty proved to be just a consolation.

The Jambos will now be aiming to bounce back immediately as they return to league action, with the club having won their most recent outing in the Scottish Premiership.

Hearts beat Livingston by a goal to nil in that match, which is a result they will be happy to repeat here considering the fact three points could see them break into the top four if other results go their way.

The hosts have struggled for consistency throughout the season, particularly at home where they have drawn twice, lost twice, and won twice, and building some momentum could have a positive impact.

The Jambos are the lowest-scoring team in the top half of the Scottish Premiership, and that is something that they will be needing to work on improving.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

Hearts form (all competitions):

Biereth continues to be an attacking threat for Motherwell, and after scoring his fourth goal of the season during their last outing, he will likely retain his place in the team.

Georgie Gent made an impact off the bench during the draw against St Johnstone, picking up an assist, and that could lead to him being in contention to start.

For the visitors, Shankland is expected to continue to start as one of the strikers, continuing his recent form in front of goal.

However, they will be missing both Barrie McKay and Craig Halkett due to knee problems, meanwhile, Nathaniel Atkinson is also out of action due to an ankle injury.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Casey, Butcher, Blaney; McGinn, Spittal, Paton, Spencer; Wilkinson, Biereth, Bair

Hearts possible starting lineup:Clark; Sibbick, Kent, Rowles; Offiah, Nieuwenhof, Baningime, Grant, Cochrane; Shankland, Vargas

We say: Motherwell 0-2 Hearts

Motherwell might be the home team this weekend, but they will walk into the game as the underdogs due to the difficult form they are in right now.

The visitors will be hoping to get straight back to winning ways themselves, and they will likely see this as the ideal match to do so.