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Motherwell logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 26
Feb 19, 2023 at 12pm UK
Fir Park Stadium
Hearts logo

Motherwell
2 - 0
Hearts

Obika (40'), Spittal (46')
Furlong (71'), van Veen (85')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Atkinson (85')

Preview: Motherwell vs. Hearts - prediction, team news, lineups

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

Hearts will attempt to strengthen their hold of third position in the Scottish Premiership standings when they face Motherwell on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the managerless home side are looking to post back-to-back wins as they bid to move clear of the relegation zone.


Match preview

Hearts' manager Robbie Neilson on January 26, 2022© Reuters

Although Hearts may have had aspirations of finishing second at one stage, that is now out of the question now that a 19-point deficit behind Rangers has been established.

Robbie Neilson and his squad must now focus on trying to secure third for the second successive campaign, the advantage over Livingston currently standing at seven points.

After two league games without a win, Hearts posted a 3-1 success over Dundee United on February 4, but they will still be wary of their nearest rivals possessing a game in hand.

Hearts' priorities in the league are divided with the Scottish FA Cup having made further progress in that competition with a 2-0 win at Hamilton Academical last time out.

Four of Hearts' last five goals have now been scored after the 70th minute, something which Motherwell will be aware of when looking to instigate a change in fortunes.

The Steelmen are searching for a new manager after the dismissal of Steven Hammell, but that did not prevent them from prevailing over mid-table St Mirren in midweek.

On the back of 11 league games without a win, Motherwell, guided by caretaker boss Stuart Kettlewell, scored twice in the opening 18 minutes to set up a 2-1 triumph.

Motherwell have now moved into ninth spot, prior to the weekend's matches, although they remain just three points above bottom spot.

Nevertheless, having lost at Raith Rovers in the Scottish FA Cup last weekend, there is a vulnerability about Motherwell as they bid to win back-to-back matches for the first time since August.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:


Motherwell form (all competitions):


Hearts Scottish Premiership form:


Hearts form (all competitions):



Team News

Barring any injury issues, Kettlewell is unlikely to consider making any changes to his Motherwell XI.

Young wing-back Max Johnston, making just his fourth league start this campaign, impressed versus St Mirren and chipped in with a goal, ensuring that he will retain his spot in the team.

The likes of Callum Slattery and Jack Aitchison are expected to remain on the substitutes' bench.

Lawrence Shankland will return to the Hearts starting lineup after sitting out the cup success over Hamilton through suspension.

With Josh Ginnelly serving a one-match ban of his own, that will be a straight replacement in the final third, with Stephen Humphrys also expected to feature.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; McGinn, Butcher, Casey; Johnston, Goss, Cornelius, Furlong; Spittal; Van Veen, Obika

Hearts possible starting lineup:
Clark; Hill, Sibbick, Rowles; Forrest, Halliday, Snodgrass, Kingsley; Shankland, McKay; Humphrys


SM words green background

We say: Motherwell 1-2 Hearts

With Motherwell on a high after their much-needed victory in midweek, they will fancy their chances of replicating their efforts at the weekend. However, despite Hearts' recent inconsistencies, their extra quality should shine through in what we expect to be a competitive fixture.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


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Game History

How you voted: Motherwell vs Hearts

Motherwell
16.3%
Draw
20.4%
Hearts
63.3%
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1110103132831
2Aberdeen11101024101431
3RangersRangers11713168822
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd125431813519
5Motherwell116141514119
6St Mirren134361722-515
7Dundee123361824-612
8Kilmarnock123361525-1012
9Ross County132651021-1112
10St Johnstone133191627-1110
11Hearts132381420-69
12Hibernian121561118-78


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