Motherwell start the New Year with a trip to Tynecastle
With games coming twice weekly Motherwell’s squad is being tested. Three had to be substituted on Sunday as a point was secured against Rangers. We await news of Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Lennon Miller and Marvin Kaleta.
Sam Nicholson has returned from a long term injury and made four appearances from the bench. He may have a longer run on Thursday. Surely no risk will be taken with young Miller? With the window open we need him in prime condition.
Stamatelopoulos appeared to be in some discomfort as he left the field at the break, no doubt Tony Watt will be keen to take up the slack. Another significant return to the matchday squad was Paul McGinn. The club captain had been recuperating for a couple of months but, although unused, his appearance on the bench was a boost.
To cap off a dreadful run of a dozen starts for only two wins, Hearts managed to intensify their embarrassment by conceding twice in added time in Dingwall to convert a win to a draw. They sit in the play-off place much to the noisy frustration of their big support. Reports talk of a fans’ protest ahead of Thursday’s kick-off.
Defensive injuries have caused problems while at the other end the hope of scoring seems to have landed on the shoulders of 17 year old James Wilson. His five goals this season make him top scorer for the Gorgie side. With the winter window open ahead of this game there is a possibility that a Belgian striker may be added to their ranks.
Motherwell are ten points ahead and five places above Hearts with a game in hand. Despite this the visitors can be backed at what seems to be a generous 3/1. A fair profit can be harvested after a 2-1 away win.