Hearts visit Fir Park on Saturday to complete our Edinburgh double. Can we make it six points from the Capital sides?
The ‘Well glow from Tuesday’s first class demolition of Hibs has hardly subsided but due attention must be paid to the arrival of the league leaders.
Hearts will remember the drubbing they suffered at Tynecastle in August when they were three down after an hour as well as the fighting recovery they produced to level the game in a six goal thriller. Will we be treated to another goal-fest on Saturday?
There are signs that the impressive start made by our opponents may be coming to an end. They have posted only one win in their last four and lost their first of the season at Pittodrie on Sunday. They were without three regulars (Baningime, Halkett and Shankland) and their performance suffered. Maybe that poses a question about the quality of the replacements? Halkett is now free of suspension and available for selection and reports suggest that Shankland may return.
Talk of a bubble bursting may be premature but Motherwell are entitled to note that the Leith bandwagon can be stopped.
While confidence in the ‘Well dressing room will be high it will be vital that Jens Berthel Askou stamps on any hint of complacency. His tactical success against Hibs and his much changed selection speaks volumes for the progress of the club under his charge. Tom Sparrow and Oscar Priestman were given their first starting places and merged with ease into the now familiar pattern. The team produced moments of thrill and sparkle and the 2-0 result flattered Hibs.
We can expect some changes in personnel as fresh legs are added to the team. Askou and his backroom staff will plot the course ahead. Derek McInnes will try to counter Motherwell’s efforts and the result may be a stalemate, 2-2.
