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

Motherwell sit just one point behind them and they will travel to Tynecastle Park aiming to continue their five-match unbeaten streak, with both squads in high confidence.

Match preview

Hearts are currently the only undefeated team in the league, which is a record they will want to continue, as they have proven themselves more than capable of playing in the top flight following promotion last season.

Sitting just a point behind both Hibernian and Rangers, the Jambos have shown that they are going to be a threat, and with the possibility of climbing to the top of the league this weekend, the squad will have plenty of motivation.

Of course, a loss would see them slip down as Motherwell are currently just a place below them, which means there is plenty on the line of this particular match.

Robbie Neilson's team got back to winning ways at the weekend following consecutive draws, with Hearts managing to comfortably defeat Livingston.

Goals from Michael Smith and Alex Cochrane added to the penalty scored by in-form striker Liam Boyce to round up a 3-0 win, showcasing real dominance with 73% of the possession throughout the match.

However, Motherwell will likely provide a much sterner test at the weekend as Graham Alexander continues to push his squad to progress.

They are also on a brilliant run at the moment, as they have a five-game unbeaten streak heading into this particular match which they will want to extend.

The Steelmen could also finish the weekend as the league leaders, but they will not want to leave things as late as they did against Ross County in their previous outing.

Despite taking the lead in the second minute of the game via Callum Slattery, an equaliser from the Staggies caused problems for Alexander's men, until Tony Watt found the back of the net towards the final whistle.

This was his fourth goal of the season which makes him the third top goal scorer in the entire league, however, Boyce does find himself one place higher, with five for Hearts.

With each team having real danger men and plenty of momentum behind them, it is going to be a closely contested fixture that could be end to end.

However, it is the Jambos that have the slight edge when it comes to defensive qualities as they have conceded one fewer than the visitors, which could be put to the test.

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

Hearts form (all competitions):

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:

Motherwell form (all competitions):

Team News

Hearts decided to revert to the 3-4-3 formation at the weekend, and considering it led to a strong victory there is a good chance that Neilson will continue that again on Saturday.

The change in formation saw Smith return to play at right wing-back, which worked wonders as he found the back of the net in the game, proving to be a great attacking threat.

Cammy Devlin made his first start in central midfield for the Jambos, while there was no place in the squad for Josh Ginnelly, but that was not down to fitness issues.

The only player who did have an injury at the weekend was John Souttar, although this was only a minor problem, which could result in him being available for selection this weekend.

Sondre Johansen was not fit enough to feature against Ross County, and there are question marks over whether he will be available on Saturday.

Alexander opted to play Ricki Lamie as his central defender at the weekend with Bevis Mugabi coming out of the starting XI, with the manager now having a difficult decision to make.

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Gordon; Moore, Halkett, Kingsley; Smith, Cochrane, Devlin, Bangingime; McKay, Boyce, Woodburn

Motherwell possible starting lineup:

Kelly; O'Donnell, Lamie, Ojala, McGinley; Grimshaw, Slattery, O'Hara; Woolery, Van Veen, Watt

We say: Hearts 2-2 Motherwell

Two of the best attacking teams in the league who are in fantastic form, colliding in a crucial league game is bound to lead to goals taking place on Saturday.

However, considering how strong both squads have proven to be, this match could see them end up sharing the points in what will likely be a very close encounter.