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...
5. LDC - Kye Rowles
The Australian has been a consistent and reliable performer since his arrival in the summer Photo: Roddy Scott - SNS Group
6. MC - Cammy Devlin
His energy and pressing abilities will be key again if Hearts are to get through Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
7. RW - Alan Forrest
With a four-man defence and two sitting midfielders, more attack-minded wide players will come in. Forrest will be one of them Photo: Roddy Scott - SNS Group
8. MC - Peter Haring
He has had a busy schedule, but the Austrian will start to give Hearts a solid platform in midfield Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group