Their summer recruitment has been lauded - and a fully revamped XI shows just how strong the current Hearts crop really are.
Investor Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics has helped bring several new faces to Gorgie, with instant impacts made by the likes of Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis. McInnes opted for the same starting XI across six consecutive league games before making changes, but that doesn’t mean he’s reliant on a specific batch of stars.
Top of the Premiership table Hearts have options aplenty in all areas of the park, and a fully changed XI from the team that drew with Dundee United displays that fully. Not including any of those players or players with medium to long term injuries, here’s what a fully switched Hearts team could look like, and what it tells us about the side.
9. LM - Alan Forrest
Experienced winger an accomplished player at Premiership level. | SNS Group
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10. ST - Elton Kabangu
Shone on loan last term but opportunities up front have been limited. | SNS Group
11. ST - James Wilson
Highly-rated talent hasn't featured for Hearts since August amid rife competition in attack. | SNS Group
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12. Verdict
This starting team would be deemed a strong one by many of Hearts' Premiership rivals. Considering some of the players that aren't even making this team, never mind the 11 changes, it shows how big Hearts' squad is in terms of quality. It should ensure the Jambos that even if a raft of injuries strike, they have so much depth to call upon and they should be able to manage ok. | SNS Group