Raith Rovers 0 Hearts 4 RECAP: Gnanduillet debut double as Jambos dominate 10-man Rovers
Robbie Neilson’s men are looking to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat to the Kirkcaldy side at Tynecastle on Saturday, having fell three goals behind after 52 minutes before attempting a late comeback which ultimately fell short.
Hearts, currently six points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship, are expected to name new singing Armand Gnanduillet in the squad after the former Blackpool striker arrived on an 18-month contract on Monday.
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FT: Raith Rovers 0 Hearts 4
Good evening
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Heart of Midlothian’s Championship clash with Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park.
It is the second of two back-to-back meetings between the sides following the 3-2 defeat to the Kirkcaldy men at Tynecastle on Saturday.
Robbie Neilson’s men will be looking to bounce back with three points this evening to consolidate their position at the top of the league ahead of the visit of second-placed Dunfermline on Saturday.
New face
Hearts could have new signing Armand Gnanduillet in the squad this evening. Here’s what Jambos fans can expect from the big Frenchman …
What Hearts fans can expect from new signing Armand Gnanduillet - the striker who thrives on crosses
The signing of Armand Gnanduillet came out of nowhere for Hearts fans.
Hearts team news
Three changes for Hearts from the side that started the 3-2 defeat to Raith on Saturday. The big news is that new signing Armand Gnanduillet is named on the bench.
Raith team news
Two changes for Raith from Saturday’s victory at Tynecastle.
Raith: J MacDonald; Tumilty, Benedictus, Musonda, K.MacDonald; Armstrong, Hendry, Spencer, Vaughan, Kennedy; Duku. Subs: Thomson, Davidson, Mendy, Coulson, Arnott, Tait, Ross.
Fan react to starting XI
Some mixed views among Hearts fans to tonight’s starting 11 …
'This is our strongest team', 'Walker better do something', - Hearts fans react to starting 11 to face Raith Rovers
Hearts have made three changes to the side that started the 3-2 defeat to Raith Rovers on Saturday in this evening’s repeat Scottish Championship fixture in Kirkcaldy.
1: Kick-off
The game is only underway for 60 seconds when Spencer crashes into a meaty tackle on Halliday but escapes without a booking. The Hearts midfielder is left rubbing his shin and takes his time to get back to his feet.
5: Hearts on the front foot
Neilson’s men have started at a far better tempo than on Saturday at Tynecastle. They’ve pinned Raith back in the early stages. A surging run from Kinsgley took him past three Raith players but the move fizzled out.
9: Hearts free-kick
Irvine sends a great delivery into the Raith box from the left. It’s headed clear to the edge of the area where Halliday’s ambitious attempt at a first-time volley slices out for a throw-in.
12: Hearts chance
Terrific play from Popescu as he twists past two players and strides out of defence before clipping a glorious ball over the top of the Raith defence for Walker to race through on goal but keeper MacDonald - as he did so often on Saturday - foils the Hearts forward, stopping his low effort with his legs. Excellent save.