Robbie Neilson’s men left Switzerland with a 2-1 defeat to reigning champions FC Zurich on Thursday evening as they seek to make the group stages of the Europa League.
They’ll face off against the Swiss side again next Thursday, but things certainly aren’t going to get any easier in the meantime with a trip to reigning Scottish title-holders Celtic.
It’s been a long time since Hearts won in the east end of Glasgow and it’ll be interesting to see just how much stock Neilson places in the game. Will he put out his best line-up, lose the match anyway and tire out some of his players before Thursday’s crucial fixture? Or will he rest a few players knowing that, even if Hearts play well, the chance of success is slim?
This is how we think Hearts will shape up...
1. GK - Craig Gordon
Rested against Celtic, the skipper will come back in and is a key man. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
2. RD - Michael Smith
The injury to Craig Halkett already leaves the defence a little light on the right side. Smith will come at right-back in a four in to shore it up with his experience Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
3. LD - Alex Cochrane
Despite his red card against Celtic, he has cemented the left-back or left wing-back berth Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
4. RCD - Stephen Kingsley
It's not his natural side, but in the absence of Halkett, he is the most reliable option. He finished in this position last Thursday and was rested at the weekend Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group