Hearts will travel up to Pittodrie this weekend for a potentially pivotal game in the race for European football. The away side currently have a seven-point gap on their hosts and a five-point lead on Hibs for the much-coveted third-place spot. However, those deficits could be reduced to four and two points, respectively if things really go against them this weekend.
It’s been a long time since Hearts have won in the north east – May 2016 to be precise – but they’ll be buoyed going into this one by the return of some key figures who missed out on both the league and Scottish Cup encounter with Celtic through injury.
This is the team we believe Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson will go with...
This is the team we believe Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson will go with...
5. RWB – MICHAEL SMITH
On really comes out of the team now in need of rest. Having not played since last week he should be fine to go. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
6. MRC – ORESTIS KIOMOURTZOGLOU
The big German has been good of late and would deserve to keep his place. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
7. MC – ROBERT SNODGRASS
The midfield anchor is expected back in the side after injury kept him out of the last two games. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
8. MLC – JORGE GRANT
This is a must not lose game for Hearts as much as anything, therefore Neilson might sacrifice the guile of Barrie McKay for someone more used to playing in a three-man midfield. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group