Five matches Hearts fans should watch this week as Scottish Cup quarter finals provide title race breather
The Jambos will have a break from Scottish Premiership action this week.
In a week where the Scottish Cup will take centre stage, there are still plenty matches of interest for Hearts fans.
The Jambos were knocked out of the competition by Falkirk on penalties in the Round of 32, which has allowed them to fully concentrate on Premiership matters, as they now sit top of the tree, six points clear of second placed Rangers and eight ahead of Celtic, who will play their game in hand against Aberdeen on Wednesday night.
While the Scottish Cup gives Hearts players a rare opportunity to recharge, it also means that fans can have a week off from nail-biting Tynecastle title race action. Here’s a look at some other fixtures this week that may be of interest to Jambos:
Aberdeen vs Celtic (March 4th, 8pm)
Starting with the obvious, tonight’s clash at Pittodrie could have huge title race implications as anything less than a win for Celtic would keep them third place in the table. A favour from the team Derek McInnes managed for almost a decade would go down a treat in Gorgie, however they’ve lost both their previous league matches against The Hoops. The match will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event.
Brighton vs Arsenal (March 4th, 7:30pm)
If you don’t fancy the Granite City clash, you could support another of Tony Bloom’s associated clubs as they take on the league leaders south of the border. Brighton currently sit 12th in the league and haven’t given up hopes of European football next season. The match will be shown on TNT Sports 2. Bloom’s other side Union-St Gilloise will face Genk on Saturday in the Belgian Pro League.
Hearts B vs Gretna 2008 (March 6th, 7:45)
If you fancy having a look at some future stars, the young Jambos are in action at Ainslie Park on Friday night against Gretna 2008. They currently sit 15th in the Lowland League table and are preparing for two subsequent tough fixtures against league leaders Bonnyrigg Rose and second placed Clydebank.
Falkirk vs Dundee United (March 6th, 7:45pm)
Hearts loanee Lewis Neilson could be in action against his former side as Falkirk host United in Friday night’s Scottish Cup clash, where former Jambo boss John McGlynn will have the chance to take his side to Hampden. With the tournament being wide open and the Old Firm sides against one another, both The Bairns and The Tangerines have a golden opportunity to go all the way. The match will be shown live on BBC Scotland.
Scotland W vs Luxembourg W (March 7th, 5pm)
After their heroics on Tuesday night, which saw them defeat Saturday’s opponents 5-0, Melissa Andreatta’s side will be looking to build on their dream start to the World Cup Qualifiers. Another win would set them up nicely for ties against Belgium and Israel later in the year. The Hampden showdown will be broadcast live on BBC Alba.