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

Motherwell welcomes Hibernian to Fir Park on Sunday afternoon as they hope to end their four-match run without a victory, in an attempt to earn a spot in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

The visitors are unbeaten in their previous five outings, although their most recent three have all ended in goalless draws, which would force a penalty shootout if that was to be repeated this weekend.

Match preview

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Motherwell have been in a difficult patch of form recently, failing to win in any of their four most recent outings, which included a draw against Dundee, who sit bottom of the league, last weekend.

Joe Efford had to provide an equaliser for the Steelmen after they fell behind, and Graham Alexander will be wanting more from his team to ensure the season does not fall flat at the final hurdle.

Adding silverware would certainly help that, but they have not lifted the Scottish Cup since 1991, which is one of only two times the club has ever won the competition.

They have had to fight in each of the previous stages to make it this far, with each game finishing 2-1, with their third-round encounter against Greenock Morton even going to extra time.

However, that experience could prove vital, and Motherwell's ability to contest for victory until the end is something that should serve them well in knockout football.

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The Steelmen might need that spirit against Hibernian, who have been revitalised as of late under new manager Shaun Maloney, with the club now having gone five matches without a loss in all competitions.

This period has been particularly good from a defensive point of view, with the team structure being far more rigid, helping them to keep four consecutive clean sheets.

That is a record that goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski will be aiming to continue this weekend, but the Hibees have struggled at the other end of the pitch in those performances.

Hibernian have only scored five times across those games, and they took place in the first two of that run, with their previous three matches all ending in goalless draws.

The last time they faced Motherwell, the game also ended 0-0, which is something that Maloney will want to see change this Sunday, and will need to happen should they want to progress before a penalty shootout.

Team News

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Efford has proven himself to be a handful for other teams as of late, and he will be sure to retain his place in the team out wide, likely supporting Kevin van Veen, who will operate as a lone striker.

Barry Maguire finds himself as the only real injury concern for Alexander at the moment, and Juhani Ojala could end up keeping his place in the heart of Motherwell's back four after being brought in against Dundee.

Hibernian have a long list of injury problems, with Matt Macey, Harry Clarke, Paul Hanlon, Paul McGinn, Demetri Mitchell, Joe Newell, Kyle Magennis and Kevin Nisbet all out of action right now.

This has stretched Maloney's squad, leaving him with few options, especially with experienced names, which is not helped by the fact that Rocky Bushiri is also suspended for this match.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; O'Donnell, Johansen, Ojala, Lamie; O'Hara, Donnelly, Goss; Woolery, Efford, Van Veen

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Dabrowski; Cadden, Porteous, Doig; Wright, Doyle-Hayes, Campbell, Stevenson; Henderson, Jasper; Doidge

We say: Motherwell 0-2 Hibernian

Cup football is unpredictable, which is why it proves to be so popular, but Hibernian are in much richer form heading into this match right now, and that should benefit them.

Even away from home, the Hibees should be able to take confidence from the performances that they have put together as of late, especially against an out-of-form Motherwell side.