Hearts v Arbroath: team news, starting XI, odds, how to watch

Hearts host Arbroath on December 29 as they look to make it five wins from five in the Scottish Championship and make it a victorious end to 2020.

Liam Boyce shoots for goal the last time Hearts and Arbroath faced in October. Picture: SNS

Hearts managed to earn all three points the last time the teams played as Craig Wighton netted the only goal of the game to defeat Dick Campbell’s men at Gayfield Park.

The former Dundee striker was instrumental in Robbie Neilson’s side coming from behind to defeat Ayr United at the weekend, laying on a goal and scoring another two himself as Hearts survived a second-half shock to emerge as 5-3 winners.

Team news: Stephen Kingsley is thought to be fit enough to be in contention for a start after picking up a knock in the win over Ayr United. The identity of the player who caught Covid-19 prior to Saturday’s game is still unknown.

Possible starting XI: Gordon; Smith, Halkett, Berra, Kingsley; Irving, Halliday, Lee; Naismith, Boyce, Wighton.

Match details: Tuesday, December 29. Kick-off 7.45pm. Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh.

How to watch: There are three ways for Hearts fans to watch their team in action. Season ticket holders who haven’t opted for the club’s alternative value season ticket package can watch the game via Hearts FC Pass. Fans of both teams can watch via PPV. International-based supporters can watch via Hearts TV if they are subscribers.

Last meeting: The aforementioned October meeting in Angus was the first in a competitive match between the sides since the first round of the League Cup in 2015 with Osman Sow bagging a double in a 4-2 win. The last league meeting at Tynecastle occurred all the way back in 1980 with Malcolm Robertson scoring the only goal of the game for the home side.

Key stat: Hearts have scored an average of 3.25 goals in their eight Scottish Championship games so far this season.

Referee: It’s Nick Walsh’s first Scottish Championship game of the campaign and the first time he’s taken charge of a Hearts game since the 1-0 away win over Dundee in the 2018/19 Scottish Premiership season.

Odds: Hearts 1/4, Draw 19/4, Arbroath 10/1

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