Motherwell vs Hearts: Preview, Prediction, Lineups

Motherwell vs Hearts — Match Preview

A massive top-four clash takes place at Fir Park this Saturday as high-flying Motherwell host league leaders Hearts. The Steelmen are in excellent form under Jens Berthel Askou, sitting 4th in the table and fresh off a dominant 2-0 win over Hibernian. With Tawanda Maswanhise in lethal goalscoring form, the hosts will feel this is the perfect time to take a scalp.

Hearts, led by Derek McInnes, remain top of the Premiership but arrive in Lanarkshire with a point to prove. Their long unbeaten run was snapped last weekend in a tight 1-0 loss to Aberdeen. With Celtic breathing down their necks, the Jambos cannot afford back-to-back slip-ups. Can Motherwell’s “free-flowing” football unlock the league’s best defense, or will Hearts bounce back to reaffirm their title credentials?

Motherwell vs Hearts — Quick Match Info

Fixture: Motherwell vs Hearts
Competition: Scottish Premiership (Matchday 14)
Venue: Fir Park, Motherwell (Capacity: 13,677)
Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025
Kickoff Time: 15:00 GMT / 16:00 CET / 20:30 IST
Referee: Kevin Clancy
TV Channel (UK): Not Televised (3pm Blackout)
TV Channel (International): Motherwell TV, Hearts TV
Live Stream: Motherwell TV (International Only)

Motherwell vs Hearts — Match Context (2025/26 Season)

Motherwell:

Position: 4th in Scottish Premiership (21 Points).
Form: Excellent. They have won 3 of their last 5 league games, including impressive victories over Hibernian (2-0) and Kilmarnock (3-1).
Current Challenge: proving they can compete with the league’s elite. While they beat the teams below them, their record against the top 3 will define if they can push for Europe.

Hearts:

Position: 1st in Scottish Premiership (30 Points).
Form: Stuttering. After an incredible start, they have drawn with Dundee United and lost to Aberdeen in their last two away trips.
Current Challenge: Psychological resilience. Losing the “Invincible” tag against Aberdeen was a blow; McInnes needs to ensure it doesn’t turn into a slump.

Motherwell vs Hearts — What’s at Stake

For Motherwell:

Solidifying Top 6: A win would cement their status as the “best of the rest” and keep them in touch with the European places.

For Hearts:

Title Pressure: With a healthy goal difference lead (+18), they are safe at the top for now, but dropping points again would invite Celtic and Rangers right back into the title race.

Motherwell vs Hearts — Team Form

Motherwell (Last 5 Matches):

W vs Hibernian (2-0)
W vs Kilmarnock (3-1)
D vs Aberdeen (1-1)
L vs St. Mirren (1-4 – League Cup)
W vs Dundee Utd (2-0)

Hearts (Last 5 Matches):

L vs Aberdeen (0-1)
D vs Dundee Utd (1-1)
W vs Dundee FC (4-0)
D vs St. Mirren (2-2)
W vs Celtic (3-1)

Motherwell vs Hearts — Team News

Motherwell:

Aston Oxborough: Out (Broken Hand). Matty Connelly or Calum Ward will continue in goal.
Tawanda Maswanhise: Available. The Zimbabwean winger is in red-hot form (12 goals this season) and is the first name on the team sheet.
Eseosa Sule: Out (Thigh Injury).
Stephen O’Donnell: Doubtful (Hamstring). Liam Gordon likely continues in defense.

Hearts:

Lawrence Shankland: Likely to Play. Scans on his injury came back clear, and he returned to training. A massive boost for the Jambos.
Ageu: Out (Hamstring Tear). The record signing is out until the New Year.
Stuart Findlay: Doubtful (Ankle). If he misses out, Stephen Kingsley or Kye Rowles (if fit) will step in.
Beni Baningime: Out (Muscle Injury – Nearing a return but likely too soon).

Motherwell vs Hearts — Head to Head

23 Aug 2025: Hearts 3–3 Motherwell
10 May 2025: Hearts 3–0 Motherwell
12 Apr 2025: Motherwell 0–0 Hearts
02 Jan 2025: Hearts 1–0 Motherwell
25 Aug 2024: Motherwell 3–1 Hearts

Motherwell vs Hearts — Predicted Lineups

Motherwell (4-2-3-1):

Askou is unlikely to change a winning team. Maswanhise and Charles-Cook provide blistering pace on the wings.

GK: Calum Ward
RB: Paul McGinn (C)
CB: Liam Gordon
CB: Stephen Welsh
LB: Oscar Priestman
CDM: Tom Sparrow
CDM: John Koutroumbis
RW: Regan Charles-Cook
CAM: Elijah Just
LW: Tawanda Maswanhise
ST: Tony Watt

Hearts (4-4-2):

McInnes will stick to his versatile 4-4-2. Shankland returns to partner Braga up top.

GK: Alexander Schwolow
RB: Daniel Oyegoke
CB: Frankie Kent
CB: Michael Steinwender
LB: James Penrice
RM: Blair Spittal
CM: Malachi Boateng
CM: Cameron Devlin
LM: Alan Forrest
ST: Cláudio Braga
ST: Lawrence Shankland (C)

Motherwell vs Hearts — Impact Bench Options

Motherwell:

Callum Hendry: Scored off the bench recently. Offers a different, more physical option if Tony Watt tires.
Lukas Fadinger: Can bring control to the midfield if Hearts start to dominate possession.

Hearts:

Kenneth Vargas: Explosive speed. If the game is stretched, he is the perfect weapon to hurt Motherwell on the counter.
Yan Dhanda: Creative spark if Hearts are struggling to break down a low block.

Motherwell vs Hearts — Tactical Outlook

Motherwell:

Playing Style: Controlled Possession. Under Askou, Motherwell are no longer just a “long ball” team. They had 70% possession vs Hibs. They will look to build from the back and release Maswanhise into 1v1 duels.
Strength: Wing Play. The Charles-Cook/Maswanhise duo is one of the fastest in the league. Hearts’ full-backs cannot afford to push too high.

Hearts:

Playing Style: Pragmatic Power. McInnes will set up to be hard to beat first. Expect them to be direct, looking for Shankland to hold up the ball and bring Spittal and Forrest into play.
Weakness: Recent Away Form. Drawing at Dundee Utd and losing at Aberdeen suggests they are vulnerable on the road when teams press them high.

Motherwell vs Hearts — Key Battles

Matchup	Battle Type	Edge
Tawanda Maswanhise vs. Daniel Oyegoke	Form vs. Power: Maswanhise is the most in-form winger in Scotland. Oyegoke is strong but can be caught out positionally.	Motherwell
Liam Gordon vs. Lawrence Shankland	Aerial Duel: Shankland is the best striker in the league. Gordon has to be physical and stop him turning.	Hearts
Tom Sparrow vs. Cameron Devlin	Midfield Engine: A battle of attrition. Devlin loves a tackle; Sparrow needs to move the ball quickly to avoid the press.	Tie

Motherwell vs Hearts — Spotlight Players

Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell):

With 12 goals already, the Zimbabwean is having a career-best season. His pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat. If Hearts give him space, he will punish them.

Lawrence Shankland (Hearts):

The captain’s return is huge. Even when he doesn’t score, his presence occupies two defenders, creating space for Cláudio Braga. He will be desperate to get back on the scoresheet after a brief injury scare.

Motherwell vs Hearts — Fan Reactions

Motherwell Fans:

“Hearts are wobbling. If we play like we did against Hibs, we win this 2-1.”

“Maswanhise is on fire. Feed him the ball and let him run!”

Hearts Fans:

“Must win. Can’t let the Aberdeen loss derail our season.”

“Shankland back is massive. We looked lost without him at Pittodrie.”

Motherwell vs Hearts — Match-Defining Factors

The First Goal: Hearts have been excellent front-runners but struggled when falling behind away from home. If Motherwell score first, Fir Park will be rocking.
Maswanhise’s Fitness: He played a lot of minutes recently. Can he maintain his intensity for another 90 minutes against the league leaders?
Set Pieces: Hearts are dangerous from corners with Frankie Kent. Motherwell need to be disciplined in the box.

Motherwell vs Hearts — Prediction

Score Prediction: Motherwell 2–2 Hearts

Betting Insights:

Outcome: Draw or Both Teams to Score (YES).
Total Goals: Over 2.5 Goals (Recent H2H was 3-3; both teams have goals in them).
Anytime Goalscorer: Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell).

Analysis: This has all the makings of a classic. Motherwell are confident and scoring freely at home, while Hearts have the quality of Shankland returning. Neither defense looks impenetrable right now. Expect an entertaining, end-to-end draw that keeps both managers relatively happy.

Motherwell vs Hearts — Final Word

Motherwell are the team in form, but Hearts have the title-winning pedigree. It’s a battle of the “Free-Flowing” Steelmen against the “Pragmatic” Jambos. With the attacking talent on display, a 0-0 seems highly unlikely. Buckle up for goals at Fir Park.

Motherwell vs Hearts — FAQs

When is the Motherwell vs Hearts match?

The match kicks off on Saturday, 29 November 2025, at 15:00 GMT.

Is Lawrence Shankland playing?

Yes, he is expected to return to the starting XI after his injury scan came back clear.

Is the match on TV in Scotland?

No, due to the 3pm blackout rule, it is not televised live in the UK. International fans can watch on Motherwell TV.

Where can I watch the match in India?

The match is not listed on major Indian TV channels, but international club streams (Motherwell TV) are an option.

Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community

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