'I refuse to back Hearts against a less high-profile opponent': Journalists' predictions for Hearts v Motherwell

Craig Fowler: There's a real 'after-the-lord-mayor's-show' vibe about this one. Hearts were excellent against both Rangers and Hibs, but remain bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership table after Accies took the shine off the victory over Steven Gerrard's men ever-so-slightly by defeating them at Ibrox. The reason Hearts are bottom despite some terrific results in 2020 is that they've yet to show they can produce the required intensity to overwhelm supposed lesser opponents with their high-pressing attack. If they approach this match with the same focus and determination they did the game at Easter Road then they'll win easily. Motherwell are no great shakes, even if they are in third place and comfortably defeated Ross County in midweek. But I refuse to back Hearts against a less high-profile opponent until they can prove they can be trusted to take care of business. Prediction: Draw

Neil McGlade: This is the acid test for Hearts this weekend. Not in terms of opposition but more about how they go about their business after such an impressive victory at Easter Road. There haven’t been many Premiership triumphs this season however, each time they have managed to pick up all three points, the Jambos have subsequently failed to go on and secure back-to-back wins. The boost generated from a victory over your city rivals is unrivalled and Hearts must start the way they finished in Leith. If they do that, I think they’ll edge past a well-drilled Motherwell side but it won’t be easy. Prediction: Hearts win

Anthony Brown: Question marks remain over Hearts’ ability to build on positive results due to the fact there have been a couple of false dawns already this term. They may well turn up and blitz Motherwell but the likelier scenario is that this descends into a tight match that is won - for either side - by the odd goal or even ends all square. Prediction: Hearts 2 Motherwell 2

Patrick McPartlin: There won’t have been many people expecting Hearts to have won as convincingly as they did against Hibs, but the signs are there that Daniel Stendel’s work is bearing fruit. But Motherwell will surely be a trickier test. Stephen Robinson’s side enjoyed a 4-1 midweek win and strengthened their grip on third with Aberdeen only able to draw at Kilmarnock. I don’t think Motherwell’s defence will be quite as charitable as the Hibs rearguard was on Tuesday but there are goals in this Hearts team. Prediction: Score draw

Mark Atkinson: Difficult match to predict. Hearts will be buoyed by their two recent wins, but there’s little evidence to suggest that they can string a series of victories together. Motherwell are a better team than Hibs and freely dispatched Ross County during the week. They will be awkward opponents for the hosts. This one screams draw to me. Prediction: Hearts 1-1 Motherwell

Joel Sked: This will be a huge test for the Jam Tarts and whether a corner truly has been turned. There has been little expectation the last two games but there will be against the Steelmen. Motherwell's form has been patchy but a resounding win over Ross County midweek will have given them a huge boost also. I think Stendel admitting he has made tweaks could be a huge difference. Prediction: Narrow Hearts win.