Motherwell v Hibs: Scottish Premiership team news, starting XI, how to watch, match odds

Hibs travel to North Lanarkshire on Saturday to take on Motherwell in the first of two back-to-back away games
Paul Hanlon could return for the visit to Fir ParkPaul Hanlon could return for the visit to Fir Park
Paul Hanlon could return for the visit to Fir Park

The Steelmen have taken six points from their last 0 games following the SPFL’s decision to award 3-0 victories to the Fir Park side for their cancelled matches against Kilmarnock and St Mirren.

The unexpected points windfall has catapulted Stephen Robinson’s side up to fifth going into Saturday's meeting.

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Hibs haven't had the best of records at Motherwell in recent season while the hosts have struggled for consistency at home this term.

Five Hibs players were booked in the last meeting between the two sides at Fir Park, which finished in a goalless draw.

Team news: The biggest selection issue facing Jack Ross is likely to be how he lines his side up to face a stuffy Motherwell side that won the midfield battle during the last encounter. Allan Campbell is touch and go for involvement after completing a period of self-isolation, with Barry Maguire in the same boat. Stephen Robinson is unlikely to deviate from a 4-3-3 set-up which could mean Hibs revert to either a 3-5-2 or a 4-1-4-1, with the latter probably a better bet against Motherwell’s front line.

Paul Hanlon should return to the starting line-up barring any issues with the knock that kept him out of the Betfred Cup win against Dundee with Darren McGregor expected to continue deputising if the vice-captain is unavailable, while fellow defensive stalwart Lewis Stevenson could return to the matchday squad. Midfielders Kyle Magennis and Scott Allan remain sidelined.

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Possible line-up (4-1-4-1): Marciano; P McGinn, Porteous, Hanlon, Mackie; Gogic; Boyle, Newell, Hallberg, Murphy; Nisbet. Subs from: Barnes, Stevenson, Gray, McGregor, Doig, Wright, S McGinn, Mallan, Gullan, Shanley, Bradley, Doidge.

Match details: Saturday December 5; kick-off 3.00pm, Fir Park, Motherwell

How to watch: The game is not live on television but the hosts are providing a pay-per-view stream. Details for signing up are here.

Key stat: Prior to this year, the last goalless draw between the two teams was a stalemate at Easter Road in January 1996. This year, both encounters so far have finished scoreless.

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Referee: Andrew Dallas takes the reins for this fixture, assisted by Alan Mulvanny and Graham Chambers.

Match odds: Motherwell 7/4 Draw 23/10 Hibs 6/4 (odds supplied by McBookie).

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