Preview: Hibs (a) CIS R3

Meetings between the teams in this competition are rare. Motherwell won the last twenty years ago and that game was played at Fir Park. 'Well fans will have fond memories of playing in the CIS cup in Leith. We defeated Hearts in the semi final in a thriller in 2005. Does any one need reminding of Fitzpatrick's last gasp winner?

There will be a much lower crowd in attendance this time around. Not only do we have to compete with another tie getting live coverage on the BBC but the clubs have decided on a price of £20/10 at the gate. Given that this will be the third Motherwell game on the road in a week and a half, there will be a few who will feel it difficult to justify the outlay. Entry for the Dundee v Celtic match is £16/8.

Most of our squad have a point to prove after the flat display at Falkirk. We will have to regain some of the form shown in the first few games of the season if we are to put pressure on a Hibs side who will still be on a high after Borac gifted them a couple of goals on Sunday.

It would seem that everyone (apart from O'Donnell) will be available and Porter's three stitch repair to a cut on the head should not be a cause for concern. What will be needed is the elimination of the defensive misunderstanding which caused the loss of the game at Falkirk. Smith appears to hold the defenders responsible but the vast majority of the crowd behind him felt that he was slow to react.

The holders have a worry over Fletcher. A hospital check up showed only a bruised shin and not a feared break. He must be a doubt.

Motherwell are not seeded in this round and it could be that we pay dearly for our poor league placing at the end of last season. An away tie against the team in third place in the league did us no favours and it is hard to see us having much interest in the next stage of the competition. The head has to rule the heart; 2-0 to Hibs.