'Hibs have been up and down under Jack Ross': Journalists' predictions for Motherwell v Hibs

Our online team try to predict the correct result as Jack Ross' men travel to Fir Park in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Mark Atkinson: Motherwell are going well at the moment and Hibs, especially with their injuries in defence, will need to improve substantially on Wednesday's 2-1 win over Hamilton if they are to defeat them. I expect Motherwell's pacey front-line to expose Hibs' defensive frailties. The visitors have the attacking capacity to hurt the Steelmen, but it's hard to envisage anything other than a difficult assignment for Jack Ross' men against the clear form team in the Premiership outside of the Old Firm. Prediction: Motherwell 2-1 Hibs.

Anthony Brown: Predicting Hibs’ results is a fraught business at present given their inconsistency under Ross. With the irrepressible Martin Boyle creating and scoring goals at an impressive rate, they are perfectly capable of coming away from Fir Park with a win. However, the likelier outcome given the recent form of both teams is a home victory. Prediction: Motherwell 1 Hibs 0

Patrick McPartlin: Getting a positive result in their third game inside six days could prove to be a big ask for a Hibs team that looked decidedly shaky at times against Dundee United and Hamilton. Ross has a big call to make in his midfield, after hooking two players at half-time against Accies and watching their replacements have a big impact. Stephane Omeonga will be looking for a start while Joe Newell could arguably be in with a shout as well. A lot hinges on how well Hibs perform in the final third, and if they are tighter at the back - it's hard to imagine Ross tolerating any more of the Keystone Cops defending evident at times in the two previous games. Motherwell have the players to punish Hibs but if Chris Long is sidelined after picking up an injury against Aberdeen, he would be a big miss for the home side. There hasn't been a single draw at Fir Park so far this season but we may just get one on Saturday. Prediction: Score draw

Hibs defeated Motherwell the last time the teams met. Picture: SNS

Neil McGlade: Hibs were a tad fortunate to emerge with all three points against Hamilton in midweek. The first half was a poor as they have been all season. But give credit where it's due, Ross made some personnel changes at the break and it paid dividends. Ross has a big decision on his hands this weekend regarding team selection. Second-half substitutes Joe Newell, Omeonga and Daryl Horgan all impressed and could start at Fir Park. Motherwell are having a fine season and are difficult to beat on their own patch. Hibs have the ammunition but so do the hosts. Prediction: Draw.

Joel Sked: It is safe to say that if Hibs play like they did in the opening 35 minutes against Hamilton Accies on Wednesday then Motherwell will take full advantage and deliver a defeat similar to the one the Easter Road men suffered on their last visit to Fir Park. Ross' line-up will be very interesting viewing after three subs by 53 minutes during the week. Omeonga's qualities will be huge in combating a nicely balanced Steelmen midfield. His battle with Alan Campbell could be a doozy. Another area to keep an eye on is the possible pace in the Motherwell attack, coming up against a defence which isn't the quickest. Prediction: Draw

Craig Fowler: My initial thought was 'Motherwell win'. Hibs have been up and down under Ross so far and after pulling out a result against Hamilton in midweek, I immediately fancied them to come back down to earth. However, the home side are really struggling for fit bodies in attack. They could be without the services of the aforementioned Long, but also Jermaine Hylton, Devante Cole and Christian Ilić. They're really down to the bare bones and will likely have to start James Scott through the middle. I'm a huge fan of the young attacker, but at this stage of his career he's at his best on the wing. It all adds up to a major boost for an away defence that's leaked goals all season. With Omeonga and Newell likely returning to the starting XI and giving the visitors a lift, I'll go with Ross' side. Prediction: Hibs win.