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Rangers are the next visitors to Fir Park in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Sunday, 15 December.

Kick-off at Fir Park is at 12pm.

Tale of the tape

It’s third versus second in the division, with the Steelmen seven points behind Steven Gerrard’s side going into the match.

Rangers have been joint top for most of the campaign, but a 2-2 draw in their last outing at Aberdeen, paired with Celtic’s win over Hamilton Academical, meant they slipped two points off the pace.

Defeat in the Betfred Cup final to Celtic on Sunday comes before an all-or-nothing UEFA Europa League match at home to Young Boys on Thursday night.

Motherwell have won three, scored eight and conceded none in their last three matches.

A 4-0 win over St Johnstone was followed by a 3-0 victory at St Mirren, and then a 1-0 success at home to Hearts on Saturday.

Head to head

Rangers were 2-1 winners at Ibrox earlier in the campaign, recovering from a goal down after Devante Cole’s early strike.

Of the last five league fixtures at Fir Park between the pair, Rangers have won three, with two high-scoring draws making up the other results.

You have to go back to 2002 for the last time the Steelmen prevailed in the league against the Ibrox side, with a 1-0 win on Boxing Day coming through James McFadden’s goal, which ended their opponents’ eight-month unbeaten run in the top flight.

Get your tickets in advance

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office.

Cheaper price applies to John Hunter stand for home supporters. Away fans should contact their club direct for tickets.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Can’t make it? Watch or listen live

If you’re outside the UK/Ireland, you can watch Motherwell v Rangers and the majority of our Ladbrokes Premiership games this season on our live streaming service.

Priced at £12 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Wherever you are, there’s also live audio commentary available on our streaming service for £5.99 a month.

Christopher Long nets the decisive goal from Jermaine Hylton’s assist as Motherwell make it three wins from three in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

“It was a professional performance. We earned the win.”

Stephen Robinson reacts to the 1-0 win over Hearts.

Motherwell made it three wins in a week with a narrow but deserved victory over Hearts.

A terrific Christopher Long goal, worthy of winning any game, was all that separated the teams on paper.

But Motherwell expertly managed their lead for a third clean sheet, and three points which hoisted them above Aberdeen to third in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

While Mark Gillespie had only one save of note, the Fir Park men might have added a second and were unlucky to see a goal ruled off for offside.

After forming a formidable partnership with Declan Gallagher against St Mirren, Bevis Mugabi kept his place at the heart of the home defence.

James Scott’s double strike in midweek was enough to see him maintain a starting place. And in the only change, Christopher Long came in for Devante Cole, who moved to the bench.

The current poor away form of managerless Hearts was ignored by the Steelmen, who remembered that on their last visit to Fir Park in August, the Edinburgh men were Betfred Cup winners.

Early play was pacy and positive from both teams, although action around either goal was scarce.

After 16 minutes, clever work from Jermaine Hylton sent Long sprinting down the right hand wing. But after getting the better of Michael Smith the ball just crossed the byline with Scott waiting unmarked on the penalty spot.

Building on the success of Wednesday night, ‘Well tried to utilise Scott wide on the right but despite his trickery the teenager got little change from Jake Mulraney.

Unable to find a decisive pass through the Hearts’ defence, Liam Donnelly attempted to add to his nine goals this season but from 25 yards he pulled his shot well wide of Joel Pereira’s goal.

At the other end, Mark Gillespie was equally untroubled, especially with Hearts’ first effort at goal in 27 minutes, Ryotaro Meshino blasting the ball high into the Davie Cooper stand.

The Fir Park men were determined to work the ball down the flanks to create an opening and were duly rewarded five minutes from the break.

Jake Carroll and Hylton again combined on the left. When the former Solihull Moors winger cut the ball back from the byline, Long swivelled before blasting a left foot shot high past Pereira to round off a great move and net the only goal of the game.

That gave the game a much needed lift and added an extra spring in the step of the home players up to the half-time whistle.

With Stephen Robinson probably urging his players to get the next goal to kill off the Tynecastle side, ‘Well were on the front foot from the restart.

Despite winning a series of corners and free kicks in the Hearts’ half, the home side made nothing of the opportunities to put pressure on Pereira’s goal.

After 57 minutes Meshino fired narrowly over Gillespie’s bar and sensing the game might be turning their way, Austin MacPhee sent on Uche Ikpeazu to lead the visitor’s attack.

The ‘Well boss probably had the same thoughts and after 64 minutes he brought on Devante Cole at the expense of Scott.

However, before the striker got a touch, Hearts created their best chance. A quick break upfield found Steven MacLean just outside the box but his well driven shot was palmed away by Gillespie at full stretch.

Motherwell appeared to have doubled their lead in the 70th minute.

Long showed tremendous pace and strength to hold off Smith until he worked his way along the goal line. From his cut back, Polworth’s low shot through a packed box appeared to be going over the line, but Allan Campbell made sure – only to be wrongly ruled offside.

Long was injured in the build up and with Hearts looking more likely to find an equaliser, Robinson decided to bolster his defence bringing on Peter Hartley to replace the hardworking ex-Blackpool striker.

What might have been a nervous closing stage for ‘Well fans never materialised, as the Fir Park players intelligently and comfortably managed the final minutes.

Hearts’ frustration was highlighted when, in added on time, Jake Mulraney was shown a straight red card for dissent.

Declan Gallagher has been named as the Tullibardine Motherwell FC player of the month for November.

The summer recruit was a rock at the back for the Steelmen across the four matches played, contributing to the ninth and 10th clean sheets of the season picked up.

He also achieved full international recognition for the first time in November, earning two caps for Scotland in EURO 2020 qualifiers with Cyprus and Kazakhstan.

You can watch a live video stream of Motherwell v Hearts from Fir Park on Saturday.

Viewers outside of the UK/Ireland can see the game for just £12 a month at tv.motherwellfc.co.uk.

Fans in the UK/Ireland can listen to live audio commentary from every match for £5.99 a month.

To subscribe and get live video streams all Motherwell home matches – and the majority of away games – head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk now and sign up.

2019/20 Motherwell streaming service matches

Stephen Robinson spoke on Friday about a bug going around the Motherwell squad, the form of the team across 2019 and the task of facing Hearts.

Here’s what he said to the broadcast media.

On illness in the camp

“There’s a bug going about and people with high temperatures. There’s two different things. We’ve sent a few home. There’s four or five boys have been sent home in various stages this week, and we’re just going to have to assess them on Saturday morning.

“We’re aware it’s highly infectious for 48 hours. So the doctor’s advice is for people just to stay away from the ground at the moment. So we’ve got four or five we’re looking at and monitoring and then we’ll make decisions on Saturday morning.

“It’s a massive concern cause you don’t know who’s going to come down with it next. We’re in an enclosed environment in the dressing room. People are getting changed together and having dinner together.

“It seems to be quite contagious. Over the last two weeks, we’ve had four or five different people with it. Some have managed to play. Some have got high temperatures.

“We won’t name the team. We’ll just have a look when everybody turns up and see how they are feeling on Saturday.

“But we won’t be decimated. Let’s put it like that. They’ll be maybe one or two affected by it, but we will certainly still have a strong side.”

On recent form and across 2019

“If we were to finish fourth, we’d take it right now. But of course we want to go on longer winning runs. We’ve done that at periods this season and also last season, where we won six out of seven.

“Obviously if you can do that, you build momentum. Our runs have been broken by Rangers and Celtic. So, you know, we have to accept that sometimes. That’s the level we’re playing against.

“But tomorrow we get an opportunity to make it three in a row. But against a team that will be fighting for their lives. And we have to make sure, we match that.

“We’ve had a good year in terms of form. When you look at our overall form, it’s not just been in small periods. It’s been solid for a year.

“I think we’ve played a very exciting brand of football. We’ve scored a lot of goals. I think we’re a good team to watch.

“The good thing is I think we can improve. I’m never happy. I think if we were sitting top of the league, I would probably find something to moan about. But I genuinely believe.

“We have scored seven goals and not conceded in the last two games. And I still think there’s players that can still play better and there’s more to come. I suppose that’s the pleasing thing for me.”

On facing Hearts

“I think each game we have to take as it comes. They’ve got players that can hurt you. Contrary to their form, they’ve got players that if they play at the top of their game, with the levels they’ve played at, they can hurt you.

“So we take absolutely nothing for granted. We must turn up. You can’t turn up and just expect to beat people because of the league positions. There’s nothing in this league at all.

“We won’t take anything for granted. We will make sure we’re at the top of our game.”

On James Scott’s development

“As I said right at the start of the Betfred games, I think James can be absolutely anything he wants.

“He’s such a talented boy. He’s got the luxury of being able to go both sides. Two very good feet, right and left. And he’s got a trick in him.

“If we can get the physical side of his game a little bit better here. If he can use that body strength as he gets a little bit older and more mature. Understands how to use his body and have an end product, which he had the other night. If he adds that to his game, he can go right to the very top.”

Hearts make their second trip of the season to Fir Park on Saturday.

Having been victorious in the Betfred Cup earlier in the campaign against Motherwell, their season hasn’t gone to plan so far.

The story so far

This year has been a difficult for the Tynecastle side. They have managed just three home victories in the league and only 26 points from their 27 Premiership fixtures.

Cup competitions have provided some respite, with runs to the Scottish Cup final where they were edged out 2-1 by Celtic and the last four of the Betfred Cup in which they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Rangers.

The departure of Craig Levein as manager on 31 October saw them go a full month without a replacement, with Austin MacPhee still in temporary charge at the time of writing.

Form guide

Steven MacLean’s late equaliser against Livingston helped Hearts avoid a third successive Scottish Premiership defeat on Wednesday night.

With one win in their last five and three defeats, their last win on the road in the league came against Hibernian in late September.

Three to watch

Michael Smith

Northern Irish international Michael Smith visits Fir Park this afternoon, holding fond memories of his last encounter with the Steelmen in North Lanarkshire.

Smith blasted home a stunning opener in Hearts’ 2-1 Betfred Cup victory back in August, his only goal for the Jambos so far this season.

Despite not adding to his goal tally for his club, Smith clearly has a fondness for scoring brilliant goals and last month he was at it again when his superbly hit low drive found the bottom corner of Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s net as Northern Ireland took the lead against Germany.

Unfortunately it was to be the solitary highlight for Michael O’Neill’s side, as they would eventually go on to lose the match 6-1.

Glenn Whelan

After playing an important role in Aston Villa’s promotion back to the Premier League, Glenn Whelan’s 16 years in English football came to an end.

The midfielder has played the majority of his career in the top flight of English football, playing in the Premier League for nine of his ten years at Stoke City in which he played over 300 times for the Potters.

Whelan joined Hearts in August and quickly emphasised that he intended on making a big impact. So far this season he has made 13 appearances in maroon as well as four outings for the Republic of Ireland, moving him on to 91 caps for his country.

Steven Naismith

It’s been a frustrating season so far for Steven Naismith, who has found his game time restricted by injuries.

Naismith returned from a long-term knee injury before a hamstring problem ruled him out of action again. Given his influence on and off the park, there’s little doubt that Hearts have missed the presence of a player that many consider their key man and to date he has only managed 90 minutes in the league on three occasions, scoring two goals.

The striker recently took his place in the Scottish FA Hall of Fame after earning his 50th cap for Scotland in the 2-1 victory over Cyprus and he marked cap 51 with a goal in the win over Kazakhstan at Hampden.

Get your tickets in advance

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office.

Cheaper price applies to John Hunter stand for home supporters.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Can’t make it? Watch or listen live

If you’re outside the UK/Ireland, you can watch Motherwell v Hearts and the majority of our Ladbrokes Premiership games this season on our live streaming service.

Priced at £12 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

The games keep coming, as Motherwell host Hearts in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday.

Kick-off at Fir Park is at 3pm.

Tale of the tape

It’s a story of contrasting fortunes so far in 2019/20 for both sides.

Motherwell sit fourth, a point off Aberdeen in third, after back-to-back wins over St Johnstone and St Mirren maintained a lofty position held for the most part of the season.

Hearts, in contrast, sit ninth in the table, one point above bottom club St Mirren and level on points with Hamilton Academical and St Johnstone below.

A late Steven MacLean goal at home to Livingston on Wednesday saved the team from three successive defeats, drawing 1-1 with Livingston.

Without a permanent manager for over a month, Austin MacPhee is likely to be in charge again on an interim basis at the weekend.

Head to head

Both sides have a win apiece against the other so far this campaign.

Hearts were 2-1 winners in the Betfred Cup last 16 at Fir Park back in August, with first half goals from Michael Smith and Conor Washington doing the damage, despite Christopher Long’s second half goal.

Then at Tynecastle in September, Motherwell were 3-2 winners in a thrilling attacking performance from Stephen Robinson’s side. Sherwin Seedorf scored the pick of the bunch with a rasping shot off the bar and in, with Declan Gallagher and Jermaine Hylton also netting.

Get your tickets in advance

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office.

Cheaper price applies to John Hunter stand for home supporters.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Can’t make it? Watch or listen live

If you’re outside the UK/Ireland, you can watch Motherwell v Hearts and the majority of our Ladbrokes Premiership games this season on our live streaming service.

Priced at £12 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Wherever you are, there’s also live audio commentary available on our streaming service for £5.99 a month.

James Scott nets a double, with Allan Campbell adding a third, as Motherwell run out 3-0 winners in Paisley.