İstanbul Başakşehir are the visitors to Tynecastle. The Turkish side have yet to lose a game this season and, even though it seems marquee summer signing Mesut Ozil may miss the fixture through injury, they are a fearsome proposition.
In the home dugout, Hearts boss Robbie Neilson does not have his problems to seek. The loss of Kye Rowles and Liam Boyce, the latter for potentially the rest of the season, has left him with a couple of keenly felt holes in his squad. New signing Robert Snodgrass could help ease the burden, but he is unable to play in Europe as his move to Gorgie came after the deadline for registering the squad with Uefa.
Jorge Grant will also be unavailable through suspension following his red card against Zurich.
Here’s how we reckon Hearts will line-up:
Jorge Grant will also be unavailable through suspension following his red card against Zurich.
5. DLC - Stephen Kingsley
Has returned to the team after missing a lot of the early part of the season with injury concerns. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
6. DM - Peter Haring
His lack of pace is a bit of a problem in Europe but without much in reserve he'll probably have to start. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
7. AMR - Alan Forrest
Has cooled off a little after a hot start to his Hearts career but should still start ahead of Gary Mackay-Steven or Josh Ginnelly. Photo: Roddy Scott - SNS Group
8. DM - Andy Halliday
Combative and experienced, two qualities which could make him an ideal candidate for a start on Thursday. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group