Hibs boss Neil Lennon expecting ‘humdinger’ Motherwell clash

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Hibs manager Neil Lennon reckons Saturday’s clash with in-form Motherwell will be a ‘humdinger’.

The Leith side make the trip to Fir Park brimming with confidence after overcoming city rivals Hearts 1-0 in a dominant Edinburgh derby victory on Tuesday evening.

Motherwell are also on a high after following up on the weekend’s Betfred Cup semi-final 2-0 win over Rangers with a victory over Dundee on Wednesday that lifts the Steelmen into third in the Premiership.

The first clash between the sides this season ended in a 2-2 draw last month after a Louis Moult brace cancelled out Anthony Stokes’ double for Hibs, and Lennon is bracing himself for an action-packed afternoon against Stephen Robinson’s side.

He said: “The players who played against Hearts covered themselves in glory but it’s done. They enjoyed the night but now they have to go to Motherwell and play as strongly as that again.

“They had a fantastic win at the weekend and Stephen has got them off to a fantastic start.

“Louis Moult is one of the best strikers in the country at the minute. We were 2-0 up (against Motherwell at Easter Road) and could have lost the game.

“They’ve got a real belief about them at the minute so it’s going to be a humdinger.”

Lennon was thrilled with the defensive performances of Efe Ambrose and Paul Hanlon as Hibs collected a clean sheet against Hearts and knows they will have to be at their best to keep Motherwell marksman Moult, who has scored 11 goals in 16 outings this season, at bay.

Lennon added: “I think they’ve played very well for the last four or five games; the two Celtic games, Aberdeen and then Hearts.

“I think they’re dovetailing very well, there’s a nice balance and great pace and Efe has really found his form.

“Not only does he win a lot of headers, and Paul, but the two of them can handle the ball, which gives you an extra dimension to the way you want to play.”