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:
5. RWB: Dexter Lembikisa
New signing should get a gentle introduction to Scottish football against League Two opponents. | SNS
6. CM: Peter Haring
Back in the team against Livingston in Hearts' last game and put in a decent display. | SNS Group
7. CM: Aidan Denholm
Improving all the time and put in some strong displays before the break. | SNS Group
8. LWB: Alex Cochrane
One of Hearts' best players this term. Outstanding throughout December. | SNS Group