Hearts' predicted starting XI for Dundee United trip - with several expected changes

Everyone involved with the club is thoroughly looking forward to the season’s showpiece encounter at the national stadium next month.

However, before that arrives, there’s the little matter of the five remaining cinch Premiership fixtures of the campaign.

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has stressed the need for keeping up focus, energy and concentration levels, though his squad is somewhat depleted for the first of those fixtures: this Sunday’s meeting with Dundee United at Hampden Park.

Craig Halkett suffered an ankle strain and won’t be back until the final at the earliest, while Stephen Kingsley and Andy Halliday were both forced off with knocks.

John Souttar remains absent and Beni Baningime won’t return until the end of the year.

Here’s how we think Hearts will line up...