- Head-to-head: The last 5 head-to-head meetings in League One have produced 1 win apiece and 3 draws.
- Recent form: Kelty Hearts have drawn 2 of their last 5 matches.
Two sides in inconsistent form face-off on Saturday
Kelty Hearts have won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five matches, while Montrose have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five. 6th-placed Montrose have 41 points from their 32 games in League One 2025-2026, while 10th-placed Kelty Hearts have 23 points from 32.
Kelty Hearts drew 1-1 with Queen of the South in their last home game.
Tam O’Ware’s structured Hearts are on the attack
Hearts' approach
Tam O’Ware’s Kelty Hearts set up in a 4-3-3 formation but their tactical identity is built around a medium tempo with plenty of structure. Hearts are a progressive side in that they like to attack, but they do so with structured, patient play from their wide areas.
Hearts are particularly adept at picking the right moment to burst forward, and they can be a tough team to stop in those situations. Kelty Hearts have conceded 30 goals in 16 home matches, averaging 1.88 goals allowed per home game.
Montrose's shape
Montrose, on the other hand, have scored an average of 1.25 goals-per-game in their 16 away league games, but have conceded 1.75 times. They are a more disciplined team that are pragmatic in nature, sitting deep, pressing with numbers and counter-attacking when able.
Stewart Petrie has brought a solid, compact shape and a level of tactical flexibility to Montrose since becoming manager, and they have looked a much more formidable team as a result.
Montrose can edge an end-to-end game
The contrast in tactical styles of these two sides could result in a relatively end-to-end clash on Saturday, although Montrose’s more compact style could hold Kelty Hearts up a little.
I’m taking the visitors to edge this game, although they’re likely to concede along the way, and I’m backing Montrose to win and both teams to score.
- Ricco Diack is Kelty’s top-scorer with 6 goals in 14 appearances in League One this term and he brings a consistent threat on his day, while Blair Lyons has scored 3 of Montrose’s last 10 goals in 5 games.
- Montrose are an underrated team and the odds available for them to win on Saturday are a surprise.
