Preview: Motherwell vs. Hibernian - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one following a draw against Livingston, while the visitors make the trip with a point to prove off the back of an Edinburgh Derby defeat against Hearts.

Match preview

Motherwell have endured a frustrating 2022-23 campaign so far and sit 10th in the Scottish Premiership heading into their encounter with Hibernian on Sunday.

Steven Hammell has looked to change the fortunes of his side in recent months, though the Steelmen have found victories hard to come by under his tenure and have won just two of their last 12 encounters.

Nevertheless, Motherwell did pick up a valuable 1-1 draw away to Livingston in their last match, as Kevin van Veen cancelled out a Morgan Boyes opener to give his team a share of the spoils.

Picking up points will be crucial for Motherwell to maintain their league status, though they severely need to boost their home form. In their eight league matches at Fir Park, they have accumulated just five points this season.

On Sunday, Hammell will feel his team can reverse this unwanted trend against a Hibernian outfit that is also going through a difficult period.

Hibernian enter the fray at Fir Park with a lot of work to do and find themselves on a run of just one win in seven league matches with Lee Johnson in charge.

This has left the Hibees eighth in the Scottish Premiership ranks, with their prospects of challenging for continental qualification rapidly fading unless Johnson can steady the ship sooner rather than later.

Last time out, a double from Lawrence Shankland and a late strike from Stephen Humphrys condemned Hibernian to a heavy 3-0 defeat against Hearts in the Edinburgh Derby on Monday.

Despite having a talented squad, there is a feeling that their summer signings still need some time to make an impact at Easter Road as the season progresses.

Delivering three points against Motherwell could help to restore some confidence in the Hibernian changing room while also would move them closer to the European qualification slots.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

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Motherwell form (all competitions):

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Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

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Hibernian form (all competitions):

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Team News

Motherwell will be without striker Louis Moult as he has returned to his parent club Burton Albion owing to a long-term ankle injury.

Bevis Mugabi is troubled by problems with his knee and will not be available to play against Hibernian this weekend, while Joseph Efford is still absent with a thigh strain.

Nathan McGinley and Rolando Aarons are not ready to be selected and will watch from the sidelines at Fir Park on Sunday.

For the visitors, Martin Boyle has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury and will not play any part against Motherwell.

Jake Doyle-Hayes is struggling with an ankle injury and is unlikely to be declared fit for the Motherwell clash.

Aiden McGeady could be handed a start for Hibernian as they look to secure three points in Lanarkshire, while Mykola Kukharevych could be back in contention after injuring himself in the warm up against Celtic in late December.

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; McGinn, Solholm Johansen, Lamie, Penney; Cornelius, Goss, Slattery; Shields, Spittal, Van Veen

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Fish, Bushiri, Hanlon; Cadden, Newell, Campbell, Stevenson; Youan; Nisbet, McKirdy

We say: Motherwell 1-1 Hibernian

In a match with consequences at the bottom end of the Scottish Premiership table, we expect a feisty affair that will produce plenty of opportunities for both teams.

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