Hearts v Ross County: TV channel; kick-off time; team news; form guide; odds
and live on Freeview channel 276
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TV and ticket info
The match at Tynecastle Park kicks off at 3pm on Saturday. A limited number of tickets are available in the Gorgie and Roseburn stands. The SPFL no longer permits live streaming inside the UK & Ireland. But international subscribers can watch live on Hearts TV.
Team news
Hearts are expected to start with Lawrence Shankland and Liam Boyce in attack, but midfielder Cammy Devlin could be a doubt after missing the Preston and Stoke games. Michael Smith or Andy Halliday may fill in alongside Peter Haring.
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Hide AdRoss County lost Regan Charles-Cooke but have made 10 summer signings, with midfielder Yan Dhanda one to watch. William Akio and fellow attacker Josh Sims picked up knocks last weekend but are expected to be fit.
Form guide
Hearts rounded off a positive and busy pre-season schedule of friendlies with victory over Stoke City last weekend, but this is the first competitive game and will be a much better gauge for what lies ahead.
County topped their Premier Sports Cup group with three wins from four games, and thrashed East Fife 7-0 last week. Malky Mackay’s team are shaping up well for the new league season.
Head-to-head
Hearts have won only one of their last seven home league games against County, stretching back to 2016. Five of those games have been draws.
Match officials
David Dickinson is the man in the middle.
Manager thoughts
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Hide AdRobbie Neilson: “I'm pleased with how it’s gone but pre-season doesn't mean anything. That first competitive game is the most important thing. County have been playing competitive games, so they will be ready, and we have to be ready. We know what it's going to be like.”
Malky Mackay: “We can have pace and attacking play, but in the final 25 yards we’ve got to be clinical. I have told them the last thing they do has got to be the best thing they do.”
Bookies’ odds
Hearts 8/15, Draw 5/1, Ross County 5/1 with McBookie.