A third consecutive game on the road will take Motherwell to Tynecastle on Saturday for league business.
Motherwell needed an extra-time goal to enable League Cup progress last weekend while Hearts lost a penalty shootout to St Mirren. Jens Berthel Askou will be hoping to extend his undefeated run in the capital.
A ninth summer signing joined the Fir Park squad this week when Callum Hendry arrived to strengthen Motherwell’s striking options. The lack of penetration on show by the visitors at McDiarmind Park on Saturday demonstrated the need for extra firepower. Some work may be needed to get him up to match fitness.
Callum Slattery should be available having served his suspension. He and his new midfield colleagues have taken to the manager’s preferred style and impressed by delivering entertaining football but they will face a stiff test in Gorgie.
Hearts will be much changed since our last visit to Tynecastle. Like Motherwell they have brought in nine new players. One familiar face has been retained and Lawrence Shankland can be expected to spearhead their attack.
Until their defeat in Paisley it had been a winning start for Derek McInness in his new job. League wins over Aberdeen and Dundee United included five goals to deliver the six points. The comparison with Motherwell’s single goal and two points is marked.
Hearts give visitors a much reduced ticket allocation nowadays and the away end will be full and vocal in support of the Steelmen. The players will need all that backing and more if they are to make a success of the trip. It is no surprise to see the bookies have the home side as strong odds on favourites and they may be right. We could face a 2-0 loss.
