Ross County v Hearts team news and line-ups: Doubts over key players | first league win since November | Donis Avdijaj to start?

A preview of Hearts' visit to Ross County on Wednesday evening.
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Hearts go in search of back-to-back wins within 90 minutes for the first time since July when they travel to Dingwall to face Ross County on Wednesday (7.45pm ko).

Daniel Stendel saw his side win for the first time at home to Airdrieonians with a confident performance which seen the Jam Tarts progress to Scottish Cup fifth round after a 5-0 victory.

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The German and the fans at Tynecastle Park witnessed great strides with key players back and academy players making their mark. Supporters travelling north on Wednesday could see new signing Donis Avdijajwho arrived on Monday.

Hearts failed to score against Ross County the last time the teams met. Picture: SNSHearts failed to score against Ross County the last time the teams met. Picture: SNS
Hearts failed to score against Ross County the last time the teams met. Picture: SNS

Ross County present an altogether tougher test as Hearts aim to claw themselves off the foot of the table. Five points separate the Capital side to Hamilton Accies in 11th, while the Staggies are eight points in front.

A win for Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson's side, as they look to bounce back from disappointment in the Scottish Cup fourth round to Ayr United, would effectively see Ross County ensure they are not in danger of automatic relegation.

Ross County team news: Ross Stewart missed the clash with Ayr United with a hamstring injury and would be a huge blow if he were to miss Wednesday.

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Ross County probable XI: Baxter; Foster, Donaldson, Fontaine, Kelly; Spittal, Vigurs, Tillson, Mullin; Erwin, Graham.

Hearts team news: Peter Haring is a long-term casualty as he is nursed back to fitness. Daniel Stendel was hit with a double injury blow on Saturday with Aaron Hickey and Michael Smith being subbed after picking up knocks. Both are doubts. Sean Clare is suspended.

Hearts probable XI: Pereira; Smith, Halkett, Souttar, Garuccio; Irving, Bozanic; Henderson, Naismith, Moore; Washington.

Key clash: In the clash at Tynecastle back in August, County got plenty of joy down the wings with Michael Gardyne and Joshua Mullin. The latter, who has plenty of pace, will give Ben Garuccio, who will likely come in for the injured Aaron Hickey or Michael Smith and be tasked with keeping him quiet.

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Last meeting: Hearts were lucky to escape with a draw the last time they faced the Staggies. The match finished 0-0 at Tynecastle Park earlier in the campaign but the visitors missed a penalty.

Match details: Wednesday, 22 January. Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall. Kick-off 7.45pm. Hearts announced on Monday afternoon they had fewer than 100 tickets left of their allocation but briefs will be available at the ground.

Referee: Gavin Duncan (Four Scottish Premiership matches this season - 12 bookings and 4 red cards) - It will be the official's first Hearts game of the campaign.

Match odds: Ross County 2/1 Draw 11/5 Hearts 7/5