Motherwell vs Hearts Prediction, Betting Tips and Preview
Motherwell play host to Hearts when the sides clash in the live televised match at Fir Park on Friday. Read the match predictions to find out why Hearts are the betting tip to win this Scottish Premiership encounter.
Motherwell vs Hearts Preview
Just two points separate these sides in the Scottish Premiership after playing 7 games each. The Steelmen drew 1-1 away at Partick Thistle last time out while Jambos also had to settle for a point following a 0-0 draw with Ross County.
Mark McGhee is likely to stick with his favoured 4-3-3 formation here after stating that he was pleased with the determined attitude of his players in the draw at Firhill. Motherwell have no reported injuries or suspensions to worry about so it could be as you were for the visit of Hearts. James McFadden will be hoping to oust Louis Moult in attack after coming off the bench to replace him last time out but midfielder Lionel Ainsworth will again be given a watching brief.
John Souttar was replaced early on by Alim Oezturk in the stalemate against Ross County and is doubtful here. Other than that, Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has no fresh injury concerns and is likely to field a similar lineup at Fir Park. Arnaud Djoum came in for Jamie Walker while Conor Sammon replaced Bjorn Johnsen, so either could be restored the the starting XI having been called into action off the bench last time.
Team Predictions Motherwell vs Hearts
Motherwell 4-3-3 formation: Samson; Heneghan, Tait, McManus, Hammell; Cadden, Clay, Lasley; Bowman, McDonald, Moult
Hearts 4-4-2 formation: Hamilton; Patterson, Rherras, Rossi, Oezturk; Djoum, Walker, Kitchen, Nicholson; Sammon, Watt
Motherwell vs Hearts Betting Tips
- Motherwell have won 2 drawn 3 and lost 3 of their last 8 matches
- Hearts have won 3 drawn 2 and lost 3 of their last 8 matches
- Over the course of their previous 8 matches, Motherwell have scored an average of 1.25 goals and conceded an average of 1.75 goal per game
- Over the course of their previous 8 matches, Hearts have scored an average of 1.63 goals and conceded an average of 1.13 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Motherwell’s previous 8 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Hearts’ previous 8 matches
(Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
Motherwell vs Hearts Prediction
The hosts have posted patchy form of late but are unbeaten in four outings. Successive draws at home to Dundee and away to Ross County were followed by an impressive 4-2 victory over Hamilton Academicals. Last time out, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Partick Thistle.
As recent results indicate, Motherwell had been playing some good football until Saturday’s disappointing performance away to Partick Thistle. The Dossers certainly didn’t live up to their name in the second half and put in a dogged display to battle for a point thanks to Scott McDonald’s late equaliser.
Results have gone a little wayward for Hearts but they have still only lost once in their last 6 matches. A 3-1 success over Hamilton completed a three game winning streak but was followed by an uncharacteristic 1-0 defeat away to St. Johnstone. The Jam Tarts were in the ascendancy for much of the game against Ross County at the weekend but had to settle for a 0-0 draw.
This hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Hearts in recent times but there were signs of a revival despite not being able to find a breakthrough last time out. Conversely, Motherwell looked out of sorts at Partick Thistle and will need to up their game here. A closely fought contest is anticipated but Hearts should have the firepower to claim a narrow victory.
Free Betting Tips
Match Prediction
Hearts to win at 10/11 with William Hill
Over/Under Prediction
Over 2.5 goals at 20/21 with bet365
Correct Score Prediction
Hearts to win 2-1 at 8/1 with 888Sport
Click here to see more football previews, predictions and betting tips