Dezz

Hearts have 1 win in their last 7 games (4-0 vs Killie) and haven't won away since they beat us 3-1 at Fir Park on 30th September (7 away games) although they've had a fair few away draws. I agree, that's the midfield I'd go with. Looks strong on paper. Hearts will be a bit of an unknown bringing in so many players in January but given their recent form and sticky start for Cathro there's no reason we shouldn't be looking to go and take points from this match. Mcdonald missing will be a blow, and the emphasis will need to be on Cadden, Lucas and hopefully Pearson to link the midfield and attack. Bowman to start alongside Moult perhaps?

We've played 11 league games since the start of November, winning 3, drawing 3 and losing 5. The 5 losses have come against Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hearts and Dundee. I'd argue only the Dundee game is one where we would have been expected to get any points from, even then it was away from home. During that spell we've also drawn away at St Johnstone (not to be sniffed at given our record up there) and picked up a point at Accies after playing over an hour with 10 men. While it's far from outstanding, I'd argue saying our form *is* terrible is simply not true and we've generally picked up points in games where we have been expected to.

Anyone think we can read anything into Flow's comment on Twitter regarding Louis Moult and the bids received? He says 'we will continue our dialogue with the player' ... hint at a possible contract extension on the proviso we sell him in the summer? A few extra (fully deserved) quid in the next 6 months for Louis and it should ensure we get a higher fee when we come to sell him? Or am I reading too much into it?

Baws

Strike up a lethal partnership with Paul Slane. He's probably found his way out there by now, the wee sesh gremlin.

Scott Mullen saying Moult not going anywhere after 2 bids were rejected this month - one from Bulgaria.

Dundee United fans on Twitter seething at the thought of us getting Ciftci on loan. I thought he'd be well out of our league wages-wise, even at a 20-30% contribution. Edit : Scott Mullen on twitter saying Ciftci deal 'at this stage looks unlikely'.

Wonder who will play on the left side of midfield? Lucas most likely with McHugh and lasley in the middle. Moult, Mcdonald and Cadden all start so hopefully that means they're not going anywhere tonight.

McDonald in the starting 11 tonight. Surely not going anywhere then? Or do international transfers differ in terms of the deadline?

Certainly looked liked he could hit a free kick!

Yeah you're right, he got booked early on and Cadden absolutely tore him to shreds all afternoon. I'm sure he scored an OG too. We should definitely target him again on Tuesday with Cadden or Ainsworth on the right.

Oh well there we are.

Rangers piling on the pressure now. We're defending well but have absolutely no outball.

It's absolutely no use playing a right back at left wing! Has to check inside every time and just slows everything down.

For fuck sake! Mcdonald sent off now!

O'Halloran off!! C'mon Motherwell!!!!

McDonald back in, Chalmers keeps his place at LM and Lasley dropped to the bench. All the new guys on the bench.

Interesting that Bowman is being offered around if true. Hasn't had much of a chance as an out and out striker yet and I thought he was brought in as Moults replacement when he inevitably goes. If true he must just not be up to it and it's money down the tubes.

Had a think about this myself but I don't know where Frear would fit in in that formation unless he is able to play LWB. I guess Jules gives us the option of 3 CB's though.

Yeah, that's the question I asked a few pages back. The first I heard of that comment was from listening to the MFC podcast and my first reaction was it was more of a dig (possibly tongue in cheek) at McDonalds ego and whinging nature, rather than a serious dig at the rest of the team.

Good stuff. Glad we've done something to try and address the left side of midfield. Sounds like he may have been the replacement for Johnson we tried to get in the summer that didn't quite get over the line in time.

The Forest Green manager did an interview today and confirmed he expects Elliot Frear to leave them and sign for us.

Rumours on twitter and P&B of Fraser Franks, a defender from Stevenage. He also captained England C so would keep up our habit of looking at England C internationals.

Just been listening to the MFC podcast and Mcghee's post match interview was discussed. I completely missed the comment about McDonald putting out his back carrying the team. Can anyone clear up the context of this comment? Was it an obvious dig at the rest of the squad, or was it more of a dig at McDonald who maybe thinks or has commented that he believes he carries the team?

Hopefully a couple of new signings today according to Alan Burrows in Twitter. Any ideas? Kieron Cadogan and the young Canadian keeper who have both been on trial maybe?