Motherwell are in back action after two devilishly difficult encounters post-Christmas when they go to Tynecastle to face Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Thursday. Stuart Kettlewell 's side were given the unenviable task of facing both Old Firm clubs in the space of three days, but now face a Hearts side who ended the year in dismal fashion. Hearts' dreadful December came to its crescendo with another late collapse away to Ross County at the weekend.
Leading 2-0 heading into the 97th minute, Neil Critchley 's men inexplicably conspired to throw two points away, only drawing 2-2 after two very late County goals. That came just days after losing the Edinburgh derby at home to bitter rivals Hibernian on Boxing Day, not long after an embarrassing exit in Europe. Another late equaliser saw them drop points to Petrocub in the Conference League and dumped them out of Europe , meaning Hearts' only focus now will be on surviving the drop, with the gap to the top six now 10 points.
Shortly before Christmas, Hearts did manage a win over St Johnstone, but that is just one of two wins Critchley's men have managed in 12 games across all competitions, and to make matters worse, they are having to watch rivals Hibs surge away from them in the table after five wins in six. Hearts are fortunate that St Johnstone have been equally as disappointing, but the gap is still only three points to the side currently propping up the standings. Motherwell will have been fearful of making an awful e.
