The Tynecastle side will meet Ange Postecoglou’s cinch Premiership leaders for the second time in the space of three days when they visit Gorgie this weekend.
Robbie Neilson used the first encounter, a 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park, to rest some players and didn’t bother risking others with more riding on Saturday’s contest as Hearts look to make it back to Hampden and get their hands on some silverware.
Josh Ginnelly was forced off during the match but Neilson says he’ll be fit for this one, while Stephen Kingsley, Robert Snodgrass and Alex Cochrane are expected to return to the squad. Lawrence Shankland and Stephen Humphrys are doubts.
This is the team we believe the Hearts boss will go with...
. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 06: Orestis Kiomourtzoglou in action for Hearts during a UEFA Europa Conference League match between Heart of Midlothian and Fiorentina at Tynecastle, on October 06, 2022, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
Hearts predicted XI for the Scottish Cup clash with Celtic. Picture: SNS Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
. GK – ZANDER CLARK
Has been in excellent form since replacing the injured Craig Gordon. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
. RCB – TOBY SIBBICK
James Hill was preferred last Saturday but he's arguably been one of the weaker performers in maroon over the last couple of games, while Sibbick's dropping was harsh. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
9. LWB – ALEX COCHRANE
Limped out of the St Johnstone win with a hip issue but Neilson said it was just a precaution, which is why he likely sat out in midweek. Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group
10. FC – JOSH GINNELLY
Is expected to recover in time for this one after being forced off in midweek. In great goalscoring form at the moment as his pace causes continual problems. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
11. FC – LAWRENCE SHANKLAND
We're back the captain to make himself available for tomorrow. With his tight hamstring he may not last 90 minutes but Hearts will want their captain out there. Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group