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:
9. AMC - Liam Boyce
Made a significant difference when he came on against Dundee. Offers craft and guile in the final third, plus experience of big games. Still finding full fitness but if he can link up with striker Lawrence Shankland then it adds a potent edge to the visitors’ forward line. | SNS Group
10. AML - Alex Lowry
Was inventive and attack-minded in the second half against Dundee once he was moved to the left flank. The other option for this position would be Alex Cochrane. Lowry might be considered a more impactful player to bring off the substitutes’ bench later in the game. | SNS Group
11. ST - Lawrence Shankland
Will be confident of finding the net in Greece but will be aware that defenders cannot afford to concede if he does. The 2-1 scoreline is precarious for the Tynecastle side and anything Shankland will know scoring chances are likely to be at a premium against the PAOK defence. | SNS Group