Hearts v Alloa: Kick-off time, how to watch, predicted XI, referee, match odds

Hearts will look to close the gap on Championship leaders Dunfermline when they host Alloa at Tynecastle on Tuesday evening.

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson leads training ahead of the midweek visit of Alloa. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group)

Robbie Neilson’s men are aiming to bounce back from their first defeat of the season at East End Park on Friday which saw the Jambos fall four points behind the Fifers in the standings, and which ended the Edinburgh club’s 100 per record after winning their opening eight fixtures of the campaign.

The match was originally due to take place on Saturday, October 31 but was rescheduled due to the Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs at Hampden, which Hearts won 2-1 after extra-time to set up a final against Celtic on December 20.

This is the first of back-to-back matches against the Wasps with the teams due to meet again on Saturday at the Indodrill Stadium in the Betfred Cup last 16.

Team news: Winger Josh Ginnelly remains doubtful after pulling out of training. A thigh problem is still causing the player discomfort meaning he is unlikely to be risked. He trained with the first-team squad at Riccarton last week but was withdrawn after complaining that the injury did not feel right. One or two others may find themselves dropped to the bench after the defeat at Dunfermline.

Possible line-up (4-2-3-1): Gordon; Smith, Halkett, Popescu, Kingsley; Irving, Halliday; Walker, Naismith, Roberts; Boyce.

Match details: Kick-off 7.00pm, Tynecastle, Edinburgh

How to watch: Season ticket holders have access to a live stream of all home league matches via Hearts Pass. For anyone else looking to catch the game – Jambos and Alloa supporters alike – Hearts offer a Pay Per View option. Priced at £18.50, you can register HERE

Key stat: Hearts enjoyed a 100 per cent record against Alloa in their previous season in the Championship, winning all four matches in the 2014-15 title-winning campaign with an aggregate score of 10-1.

Referee: Grant Irvine has never taken charge of a match involving Hearts before. He has awarded nine penalties in eight matches so far this season, dishing out 14 yellow cards and one red. He will be assisted by Andrew McWilliam and David Dunn.

Odds: Hearts 1/6, Draw 13/2, Alloa 14/1

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.