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It's all go in the Scottish Premiership as we race towards a grandstand finish. Long-term leaders Hearts aim to beat Motherwell and move a step closer to clinching the title. Few gave the Jambos a chance back in the summer, but Derek McInnes has his men playing attractive football, and they're the team to beat at the moment. Will they remain in pole position?
Saturday's match will be the third time these sides have met this season. The ambitious pair shared six goals at this stadium back in August. The pacesetters needed a late double from Claudio Braga to avoid defeat. The return at Fir Park in November was far less entertaining, with Motherwell and Hearts finishing goalless. Will we see another draw?
The UKGC bookmakers featured on this page offer over 100 pre-match markets on Hearts v Motherwell. You can keep it simple and predict the match winner or play one of the many specials. Call the correct score, first scorer, total goals, and much more. Bet365 even give new players a welcome bonus.
Here are Frank Monkhouse's data-led predictions.
Hearts v Motherwell tips
Under 3.5 goals @ 4/11 (bet365)
Motherwell to score 1-3 goals @ 4/9 (bet365)
Motherwell to score first @ 13/10 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Total goals - under 3.5
My first pick in Scotland's capital comes in the total goals market. I'm backing Hearts v Motherwell to end with fewer than four goals scored by both teams combined. A 3-0 home win is as good as a 2-1 victory for the Steelmen or a 0-0 draw. Visit the bet365 app, click on soccer, the Scottish Premiership, Hearts v Motherwell, and add under 3.5 goals to your bet slip.
We take confidence from Hearts' recent results at Tynecastle. Under 3.5 goals landed in each of their last four games at this venue. Interestingly, all four matches ended 1-0. The hosts drew 2-2 here with Celtic in January before beating Hibs, Falkirk, Aberdeen, and Dundee. Everyone connected to the club would welcome another narrow home win.
Switching our attentions to Motherwell, we see the Steelmen have been punching above their weight this term. They start the weekend in fourth, 10 points behind third-placed Celtic and 13 off the pace set by their opponents. Motherwell lost 3-1 at Celtic Park last month. They also lost 2-1 at Dens Park, beat Livingston 2-0, and drew 1-1 at Easter Road.
Tip: Under 3.5 goals @ 4/11 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You'll make a profit from this match if Hearts v Motherwell produces fewer than four goals.
Team goals - Motherwell 1-3
Moving to my second bet in Edinburgh, and we focus on the away team. Visiting manager Jens Berthel Askou has his side playing fantastic football. The club from North Lanarkshire are firmly in the mix for a European finish, and it would be nothing less than they deserve. Well are organised, creative, and exciting to watch. But how much do they have left?
I'm backing Motherwell to score between one and three goals at Tynecastle. Barring a collapse by Hearts, we're gambling on Motherwell to score, as I think it's highly unlikely they'll get more than three goals in Gorgie. The Scottish Premiership stats show Motherwell have scored 51 goals this season, while Hearts have leaked 27. You want at least one more.
Motherwell are winless in four, following three defeats and a draw. Despite that dip in form, they scored two past Falkirk last week, got one goal at Celtic Park, and another at Dens Park. Four goals in their last four games add confidence to our pick. With this wager, you don't need Motherwell to win the match; all you care about is them finding the net.
Tip: Motherwell to score between one and three goals @ 4/9 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You'll celebrate a profit if Motherwell scores at least one goal, but fewer than four.
Team to score first - Motherwell
My third and final Hearts v Motherwell prediction is that the visitors will score the game's first goal. The scorer's name, when the goal arrives, and which team wins don't concern followers. If Motherwell scores to make it 1-0, you'll bank a profit. Returns will arrive in your betting balance well before the end of the play, gifting backers an early profit.
Motherwell haven't been at their best recently, but they did go 1-0 up at Celtic Park last month. Elijah Just pounced on a mistake in the Hoops defence before rattling the ball into the corner. The goal came in the 32nd minute, but the lead lasted only six minutes before Yang equalised, and the champions went on to win the match 3-1. There's more to consider.
Results show Motherwell took the lead against Dundee United, St Mirren, and Aberdeen in February. They also broke the deadlock against Livingston, Kilmarnock, Ross County, Hibs, and St Mirren in January. We need to see Motherwell back to their best and firing on all cylinders. Will they keep pushing to the finish line? I'm confident there's more to come.
Tip: Motherwell to score first 13/10 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You'll secure a winner at attractive odds if Motherwell score to make it 1-0 at Tynecastle on Saturday.
Hearts v Motherwell odds
Motherwell win @ 13/5 (bet365)
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.