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

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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.

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

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.

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