Hearts boss Robbie Neilson. Picture: SNSHearts boss Robbie Neilson. Picture: SNS
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson. Picture: SNS

Will this be the Hearts starting XI for Arbroath clash with one eye on next week's semi-final?

Hearts take on Arbroath at Gayfield Park on Friday night in the Scottish Championship.

Robbie Neilson’s side are looking to make it two wins from two after dismantling Dundee last Friday with a 6-2 victory in front of the BBC Scotland cameras.

In typical circumstances, with no new injuries affecting the squad, we’d expect the Hearts boss to name the exact same starting XI.

However, next weekend Hearts will be playing in what could be their biggest game of the season – a Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs at Hampden.

Neilson may well use this game to give playing time to those he envisions being in the starting XI for the Edinburgh derby as he looks to improve their fitness. Likewise, he may also take out a player or two whom he thinks could benefit from a two-week break, even this early in the season.

Here’s what we think he’ll go for: