'Strongest line-up possible' - Hearts fans happy with starting XI to face Dundee but sympathy for Craig Wighton

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson revealed this week he had decided on his starting XI to face Dundee “three weeks ago”.

Hearts fans are happy with the starting XI to face Dundee. Picture: SNS

After making eight changes during the week and a few fine individual performances in the 3-1 win over Raith Rovers in the Betfred Cup some may thought the manager could have been swayed, but it doesn’t look like he has.

Craig Wighton, after a hat-trick on Tuesday has been benched, with Liam Boyce and Michael Smith coming in. Neilson has made 10 changes with Stephen Kingsley the only survivor and will revert to a left-back role in a 4-2-3-1 after playing as a centre-back in a 3-5-2.

What have Hearts fans made of the XI and Wighton’s omission?

@AldoScrim89: “Probably the strongest team we could name here. Delighted with that #hmfc”

@McIverTheMark: “This is our strongest lineup possible, bar Haring, so I'm very excited.”

@Thejamtarts51: “Wighton on the bench! Strong team still though. Get stuck right into them Hearts.”

@Loveofthegame19: “I know I know, football isn’t played on paper and I’ll probably regret this.... BUT, that looks a really good side, on paper...”

@Jamborab10: “Strong side! Strong bench! Let’s do it Hearts.”

@hearts_centre: “Pretty close with my prediction, 9 out of 11. Good to see all our internationals in the squad.”

@LifeIsFootball6: “I cannot believe Halliday, Haring, Wighton, and Naismith are all on the bench. Has Robbie banged his head? Ah well I'll trust his decision. Still it's a much stronger team than Tuesday's one. Mon the Jambos.”

@arctic_jambo: “Harsh on Wighton, but got to field out strongest and that’s the strongest we could go with tonight IMO.”

@WeAreScottishFB: “Good lineup from #Hmfc and let's be honest Boyce was always going to be main striker tonight and not Wighton but he is a good option and wants to prove himself.”

@JenksAScott: “Would have started Wighton.”

@deansmith21031: “Good starting line up and bench looking strong as well. Let’s get off to a good start.”

@Auldreidy: “If Boyce hasn't scored a hat trick by half time get Wizard Wighton on HHGH”

@bchappy1874: “Gutted for Wighton, that’s a strong team though still!! C’mon Hearts.”

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