27.1.2018.

PICK OF THE DAY

Hearts - Motherwell

Tip : 1

Odd : 2.00

FT : ?? 

Motherwell have hauled themselves in to the top half of the Scottish Premiership after returning to winning ways in midweek, after their 2-0 victory over Ross County. Back to back home wins have made it a fine start to 2018 for the men from Fir Park, but will that be enough for them to triumph against Hearts in this clash on Saturday? The Jambos have plenty of form behind them in the league, and they should use that momentum to bring an early end to Motherwell’s recent revival.

The hosts are in fifth, six points clear of Motherwell. However, the Jambos are more interested in looking up the table, and they’re focused on overtaking their Edinburgh rivals Hibs, who are currently in fourth place and potentially on course for a place in the Europa League next season. That battle between the two rivals could go down to the wire, especially if Hearts continue their recent form. With Hibs heading to Celtic this weekend, the Tynecastle side could potentially close the gap with a victory on Saturday.

Looking at their recent form, it’s easy to make the hosts the favourites for this clash. They too have kicked off 2018 with a pair of victories, meaning they’re now 11 games without defeat across the league and cup. Part of that great run has been their impressive defensive record, having kept eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. They head in to this game having averaged 0.64 goals against per home game, and they have now conceded fewer goals than any top flight team, bar Celtic.

That defensive record should be enough to see off a Motherwell side who are awful at the back. The visitors come in to this clash having let in an average of two goals per away trip this term, and they conceded in 82% of their away matches. With the Jambos likely to produce another impressive display at the back, we expect the hosts to have enough going forward to take advantage of the visitors’ poor defence.

To make matters worse for the away side, they have an awful record in their recent trips to Tynecastle. Hearts won last 4 at home to Motherwell, including a 1-0 win earlier this season. We expect that streak to continue, with Motherwell losing their last five away trips. On the other hand, Hearts have won four of their previous five home matches, and they should pull off another victory.