Motherwell suffered a one goal defeat in their last visit to the west of Edinburgh. That came a day after Brown was unveiled as our temporary manager following Jim Gannon’s departure. What followed was a season saving spell of twelve undefeated league games and some of that form will be needed if we are to maintain the four point lead over our hosts.
The toll of a long season has resulted in injuries to a several key players. Ruddy, Craigan, Lasley and Jutkiewicz are at the top of the list and it seems likely that we will be at less than full strength by 3pm on Saturday. Late fitness decisions will determine the starting eleven but the most important judgement will relate to the keeper. We have no replacement for his commanding presence and the unsettling effect of his absence on the back four might mean that a risk might be justified.
Snowy Tynecastle in December
In the other camp, Jim Jeffries has been urging Hearts’ fans to turn up in numbers to provide an atmosphere that might propel them up the table. While Motherwell might moan about the post-split fixture arrangements there is no such complaint in Gorgie. Their four remaining fixtures take place in Edinburgh and of those three are at Tynecastle. They will be without the suspended Jonsson following his red card against Rangers.
Motherwell have already recorded two wins over Hearts but our weakened state might force the manager to alter the balance of the team to provide a more defensive outlook (Brown packs defence – shock!). If he is successful we might come away happy with a 1-1.