Hearts v Motherwell: Match preview and probable line-ups
However, the Steelmen will turn up with Nadir Ciftci and Curtis Main both looking to get on the scoresheet and end Hearts’ impressive run of shutouts.
Craig Levein will have to attempt to juggle his squad, with Kyle Lafferty serving the final game of his three-match suspension and Isma Goncalves likely to be left out as he finalises a move to Uzbekistan.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdNew signing Danny Amankwaa could feature on the bench following his switch from Copenhagen but the match is likely to be too soon for Prince Buaben, who has resumed training.
Malauray Martin, Rory Currie and Ashley Smith-Brown again miss out, while Levein could rest Harry Cochrane and Aaron Hughes.
Andy Irving could be named again in the starting XI after his impressive debut against Hamilton.
Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson has a full squad to choose from bar the injured Elliott Frear.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPeter Hartley, who made his loan deal permanent during the week is likely to start on the bench with on-loan Bury defender Tom Aldred expected to line up in a three-man defence alongside Cedric Kipre and Charles Dunne.
Last five meetings: Motherwell 2-1 Hearts; Motherwell 0-3 Hearts; Hearts 3-0 Motherwell; Motherwell 1-3 Hearts; Motherwell 1-0 Hearts.
Likely Hearts team (4-2-3-1): McLaughlin; Randall, Souttar, Berra, Mitchell; Callachan, Djoum; Cowie, Irving, Milinkovic; Naismith. Subs from: Hamilton, M Smith, Hughes, Brandon, Henderson, Cochrane, McDonald, Moore, Amankwaa. Keena, Zanatta.
Likely Motherwell team: (3-4-1-2): Carson; Kipre, Aldred, Dunne; Cadden, McHugh, Campbell, Tait; Tanner; Ciftci, Main. Subs from: Griffiths, Rose, Hammell, Hartley, Grimshaw, Livingston, Bigirimana, Petravicius, MacLean.
Referee: Willie Collum
Kick-off: 3pm
Odds: Hearts 101/100 Draw 53/20 Motherwell 31/10 (Odds correct at the time of writing)