Predicted Heart of Midlothian XI to face Motherwell: Who should start for the Hearts?

Scottish Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian F.C. will face off against Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday, as the international break draws to a close.

Hearts have started the season on a brilliant note, registering four wins in four league outings, placing them at the top of the table. Currently on a nine-game winning run across all competitions, which includes a 1-0 win over reigning champions Celtic, Craig Levein’s side must go into the weekend’s game with every intention of extending their streak.

Team News

Jamie Brandon and Marcus Godinho remain sidelined till next month with knee injuries, while captain Christophe Berra is a long-term absentee. Veteran defender Aaron Hughes is doubtful, as he continues his recovery from a calf problem.

Here’s how the Scottish Premiership leaders might line up against Steve Robinson’s side on Saturday.

Manager: Craig Levein

Formation: 4-4-2

Zdenek Zlamal (GK)

The 32-year-old goalkeeper has started each game in all competitions for Hearts this season and that is unlikely to change on Saturday.

Michael Smith (RB)

The 30-year-old Northern Ireland international has started strongly, contributing with two goals and an assist in all competitions. Should retain his spot at right-back.

John Souttar (CB)

The 21-year-old recently made his international debut for Scotland and has enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign. Should hold the fort in the heart of the defence.

James Dunne (CB)

James Dunne, who arrived on loan from Premier League outfit Burnley, must partner Souttar in central defence.

Benjamin Garuccio (LB)

A summer signing from Adelaide United, left-back Ben Garuccio has had a solid start to life in Scotland and he must build on it against Motherwell.

Steven Naismith (RW)

The former Norwich City attacker was the star of Hearts’ 4-1 win over St. Mirren before the international break, scoring a first-half hat-trick. Could be a handful for the home team’s defence to contend with.

Olly Lee (CM)

Lee also scored against St. Mirren last time out and has chipped in with four goals and three assists in eight appearances across all competitions. Definite starter in the middle of the park.

Peter Haring (CM)

The versatile Austrian has been a huge influence for Hearts from the midfield. With two goals and two assists from four Championship appearances, he is another certain starter on Saturday.

Jake Mulraney (LW)

The Irish wide man was left out of the starting XI against St. Mirren in favour of loanee Demetri Mitchell. But he should return to the line-up on the left side of the midfield at Fir Park.

Steven MacLean (ST)

The veteran Scotsman has netted three times across all competitions this term and will once again lead the attack for Levein’s side on Saturday.

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Uche Ikpeazu (ST)

Partnering the 36-year-old up front should be summer signing Uche Ikpeazu. The 23-year-old has scored four and assisted three goals in all competitions already.