This week’s trip to Greece could be a potentially season defining one for Hearts as they look to once again secure group stage European football.
To do that they will need to overcome a 2-1 aggregate deficit against PAOK when they face the Greek side at the Stadio Toumbas in their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round second leg. After a disappointing 1-0 Scottish Premiership defeat to Dundee last weekend the coaching team may look to make a few tweaks to the line up.
Here is how the Edinburgh Evening News predict the Hearts starting XI will look for the match:
5. LB - Stephen Kingsley
Hearts will need all the experience they can get and is distribution and ability to contribute to attacks are also important - as demonstrated with his assist for Lawrence Shankland’s goal in the previous European away match against Rosenborg. | SNS Group
6. CM - Cammy Devlin
His boundless energy and tenacious approach will be critical if Hearts are to get what they desire. The PAOK midfield is a slick operation which runs like clockwork when it gathers momentum. Devlin will be required to break things up and add a touch of aggression. | SNS Group
7. CM - Aidan Denholm
Was surprisingly left out of last week’s first leg against then reinstated on Sunday where he lost the ball prior to Luke McCowan’s winning goal. However, despite his inexperience, he has the temperament to recover and play a part in a high-profile European tie just a few days later. | SNS Group
8. AMR - Kenneth Vargas
Enjoyed a bright start in the first leg and won the penalty which gave Hearts an early lead. He faded thereafter and was also quiet at Dundee, so the Toumba offers an opportunity to show his true capabilities. | SNS Group