Ross County v Hearts: Match preview and probable line-ups

Hearts make the 170-mile trip north to Dingwall tomorrow for a 12.30pm kick-off, hoping to return with three points.

Craig Levein’s side won last time they visited Victoria Park, thanks to goals from Jamie Walker and Isma Goncalves, whereas County haven’t recorded a home win since November 4.

Owen Coyle’s side did win their last league match emphatically, putting four past Dundee at Dens Park, but have won just two home games this season.

Hearts will make the trip to the Highlands without the services of Harry Cochrane, Rory Currie and Jamie Brandon, with the club fearing the latter may not kick a ball for the remainder of the season after he sustained a knee injury in a development league game.

Hearts captain Christophe Berra will make his 150th league appearance for the Jambos against Ross County. Picture: SNS Group

Steven Naismith is a doubt due to tendonitis, and his absence will leave Hearts short of attacking options on the bench, with just Euan Henderson available.

Captain Christophe Berra will make his 150th league appearance for Hearts and is urging his team to earn the right to win matches.

Berra said: “We’re nowhere near the finished article and we can improve drastically. That’s what we’re all striving to do – finish the season strongly.

“I’m sure the gaffer will try to get more players of his type in for next season. At the moment, we can only look to each game as they come.”

Hearts captain Christophe Berra will make his 150th league appearance for the Jambos against Ross County. Picture: SNS Group

County will be without five players; Tony Dingwall, Sean Kelly and Jamie Lindsay are all out with knee injuries while Greig Tansey is suffering with a groin complaint and Andrew Davies is sidelined with a calf strain.

Last five meetings: Hearts 0-0 Ross County; Ross County 1-2 Hearts; Hearts 0-1 Ross County; Ross County 2-2 Hearts; Hearts 0-0 Ross County

Likely Ross County team: (4-4-2): Fox; Naismith, H Souttar, Fontaine, Fraser; Kait, Routis, O’Brien, Keillor-Dunn; Schalk, N’Gog. Subs from: McCarey, Melbourne, Chow, Dow, Gardyne, Eagles, Curran, Mckay, Effiong.

Likely Hearts team (3-5-1-1): McLaughlin; J Souttar, Hughes, Berra; M Smith, Callachan, Adao, Djoum, MItchell; Milinkovic; Lafferty. Subs from: Hamilton, Randall, Amankwaa, Buaben, Irving, Martin, Moore, McDonald, Henderson.

Referee: Craig Thomson

Kick-off: 12.30pm

Odds: Ross County 12/5 Draw 119/50 Hearts 141/100 (Odds correct at the time of writing)

• For more statistics, visit our dedicated Hearts page