The Tynecastle side had been in very strong form after the return of Scottish football following the World Cup in Qatar, but they were alarmingly poor in their last match out, a 2-0 defeat to Motherwell. The visitors were alarmingly poor as they were outplayed by a host club who had only just won their first game in weeks the match prior.
There have been criticisms of Robbie Neilson persisting with the three-at-the-back system as, even though results had been good, performances had been dropping in the build-up to the Motherwell loss.
Will he change the shape of his team for the visit of Callum Davidson’s side, or will he change multiple members of the starting XI to get the spark going ahead.
This is the team we believe the Hearts boss will go with...
Will he change the shape of his team for the visit of Callum Davidson’s side, or will he change multiple members of the starting XI to get the spark going ahead.
. 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 Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
. GK – Zander Clark
He's been in excellent form since coming in for the injured Craig Gordon. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
. RCB – TOBY SIBBICK
With Kye Rowles fully fit, it'll likely be James Hill dropping out of the starting XI with Sibbick moving to the right side of the back three. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
5. RWB – MICHAEL SMITH
Has made himself the undisputed first choice at right wing-back again this term. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
6. MRC – CAMMY DEVLIN
Hasn't been at his best of late, but is still more trusted than the other CM options. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
7. MC – ROBERT SNODGRASS
Will play the deeper role where he looks to dictate play and start Hearts attacks. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
8. MLC – ANDY HALLIDAY
Barrie McKay mucking into the midfield three just isn't working and Hearts need more legs to help out Snodgrass in the centre. Jorge Grant could well start, but Neilson has tended to prefer him as an impact sub off the bench should the situation demand it. Therefore, we're backing Halliday to get the nod. Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group