Hearts still have an interest in the Scottish Cup but for Motherwell the rest of this season is all about trying to close the gap on the top six in the Premiership and they come into this fixture in good form and encouraged by the recent form of St Johnstone, the team directly above them, in that respect.
Motherwell Form
Stephen Robinson’s team are bidding to record six consecutive victories for the first time since 2014. Most recent wins have been achieved by a one-goal margin but they did beat Livingston 3-0 in their last game at Fir Park. They may have uncovered a gem in young striker Jake Hastie, who has now scored three goals in four Premiership games and eight in 26 career starts if you include his time at Alloa. He is developing a decent partnership with former Middlesbrough striker Curtis Main and currently keeping Ross McCormack out of the side. Another veteran, Peter Hartley, is also having to bide his time with the ‘Well defence having conceded three times in their current winning run.
Hearts Form
The Jam Tarts are on a four-game unbeaten run and have recorded six clean sheets in their last eight. But, like Motherwell, they haven’t faced any of the top sides recently and tend come up short when facing quality opposition. However, their run has seen them climb to fifth in the table and going into this weekend just three points off third-placed Aberdeen and Kilmarnock. Craig Levein is already making plans for next season having arranged new deals for Christophe Berra, John Souttar and Michael Smith and is hoping to persuade Scotland striker Steven Naismith and Cameroon midfielder Arnaud Djoum to stay beyond the summer – a strong end to the campaign would help on that score.
Motherwell v Hearts Head-to-Heads
Hearts have won both previous meetings between the sides this season by the same 1-0 scoreline. Motherwell have won only one of their last 11 matches against Hearts and have failed to score in five of their last seven.
Motherwell v Hearts Current Best Match Odds
Motherwell 2/1, Draw 23/10, Hearts 8/5 (Odds correct at 11.00am February 14)
Motherwell v Hearts Predictions
These teams have had similar records against similar opposition lately but the Hearts’ defence is organised and miserly and they’ll set out to frustrate Motherwell and quiet the fans at Fir Park. I can see the visitors grabbing a goal on the break and keeping the back door shut so an away win is the call at 8/5 with Betfred. A 0-1 Correct Score is 13/2 and the Edinburgh side are a best 16/5 to Win To Nil.
