Hearts boss Robbie Neilson will look to keep up his undefeated streak in Edinburgh derbies since returning to the club. Picture: SNSHearts boss Robbie Neilson will look to keep up his undefeated streak in Edinburgh derbies since returning to the club. Picture: SNS
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson will look to keep up his undefeated streak in Edinburgh derbies since returning to the club. Picture: SNS

Predicted Hearts starting XI for Edinburgh derby trip to Hibs - with possible formation change in mind

Hearts travel to Easter Road on Sunday looking to put down a marker for the rest of the season and underline their credentials as the team best placed to get closest to the Old Firm for the second campaign running.

Week one saw Robbie Neilson’s side get off to a winning start with a 2-1 triumph over Ross County, but the match gave the Hearts boss plenty to ponder.

The Tynecastle side struggled in the first half before improving after the break. With John Souttar gone and Stephen Kingsley out injured, fans questioned whether the 3-4-3 formation was still the most suitable without the two wide centre-backs as capable of taking the ball out of defence.

There have been calls among the support over a move to a 4-2-3-1, which would also enable last season’s top goalscorer Liam Boyce to come back into the side in a role that doesn’t seem him playing from the flank.

Will Neilson change it up? Here’s what we reckon...

There have been calls among the support over a move to a 4-2-3-1, which would also enable last season’s top goalscorer Liam Boyce to come back into the side in a role that doesn’t seem him playing from the flank.

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