We were unfortunate not to take a point from Tynecastle when the teams met a month ago, on that occasion Grainger’s first half strike was all that separated the sides.
In the meantime, Hearts’ financial troubles have grabbed the headlines and their supporters have been quick to dig deep into their pockets. It’s been ten years since Motherwell fans had to endure the anxiety that came with administration – we understand their anguish.
Hateley has a try against Hearts last season
Both teams have a LDW pattern for the last three league outings and will feel that their fortunes are on the rise. It was Grainger (again) who scored to beat St Mirren in front of a sell out crowd in Gorgie while five of Stuart McCall’s men ended the unbeaten run of Inverness on Sunday.
Our forwards will have to be at their confident best to get through the defensive pairing of Zaliukas and Webster and with the recent introduction of a number of younger players the visitors won't be short of energy and ambition.
There have been no reports of injuries in the home camp and the expectation will be for an unchanged eleven to line up for the 1245 kick off. Our five goals last week grabbed the headlines but there were a few other notables on the way. The return of Hutchinson, a first senior goal for Cummins and a strike for Ojamaa after a six month drought all contributed to the feel good factor.
Circumstances off the park may encourage a big away support to travel west and our opponents will be lifted as a result. It will be important that the home crowd matches the noise from the South Stand and with that backing we may move up a spot thanks to a 2-1 win.
Remember the last time Hearts were at Fir Park?