Predicted Hearts team v Spartans as a new signing prepares for the Scottish Cup

By Barry Anderson

Football correspondent

Published 18th Jan 2024, 17:00 BST

The all-Edinburgh fourth-round tie is generating plenty excitement

Hearts resume competitive action this weekend when they make the short journey across Edinburgh to face Spartans in the Scottish Cup fourth round. The match will be broadcast live on television by BBC Scotland as the romance of the cup pits a League Two club against Premiership visitors.

Hearts are expected to give recent loan signing Dexter Lembikisa a debut in the match, but a number of first-team regulars are missing. Defender Kye Rowles and Nathaniel Atkinson are on international duty with Australia at the Asian Cup, winger Barrie McKay is out injured, and midfielder Cammy Devlin is working to regain fitness after an ankle problem.

Here is the predicted Hearts team to face Spartans at Ainslie Park:

Craig Gordon could get a runout at some point in this match given his long-awaited return from injury, but Clark was in fine form before the break.

1. GK: Zander Clark

Craig Gordon could get a runout at some point in this match given his long-awaited return from injury, but Clark was in fine form before the break. | SNS Group

Mainstay of the defence and a guaranteed starter.

2. RCB: Frankie Kent

Mainstay of the defence and a guaranteed starter. | SNS Group

Returned from injury late last year and should be in the team this weekend.

3. CB: Craig Halkett

Returned from injury late last year and should be in the team this weekend. | SNS Group

Outstanding for much of the season in various defensive roles.

4. LCB: Stephen Kingsley

Outstanding for much of the season in various defensive roles. | SNS Group

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