Motherwell and Hearts will face each other under the Friday night lights at Fir Park, with their League Cup tie moved for broadcast on BT Sports.
After the Jambos failed to win their League Cup group convincingly, they found themselves in the unseeded section of the draw. Stephen Robinson’s Motherwell will be their opponents, after the Steelmen romped to the top of their group.
Motherwell and Hearts’ TV clash will be live on BT Sports. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It’s set up to be a brilliant spectacle. Neutrals will be very pleased this is on TV.
Motherwell v Hearts has the potential to be a cup classic
This will be tie of the round, no questions asked. Dundee v Aberdeen runs Motherwell v Hearts close, but the Fir Park match is unrivalled in terms of unpredictability and the potential it has to be a great game.
The two sides met in League Cup quarter final action last year. It was a Tynecastle thriller, with the Gorgie side netting twice in the final few minutes to seal a 4-2 win.
Hearts were celebrating cup joy last time against the Well. (photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)
There are interesting contrasts between the two just now. Hearts are struggling in front of goal, misfiring against the likes of East Fife and Stenhousemuir. The Well on the other hand scored 13 without reply against lower league opposition.
Hearts boss Craig Levein is under intense pressure from fans whereas Well manager Robinson’s stock has never been higher. He recently penned a Fir Park contract extension.
Motherwell have been great to watch recently, but on their day, Hearts can be dangerous too. It could be an especially tasty fixture if Steven Naismith is back for Hearts, with the Daily Record reporting he is close to a Gorgie return.
Nearing a Gorgie return. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
It’s set up to be an enticing clash. Motherwell v Hearts is quite rightly getting the coverage it deserves.