Hearts go looking to build on last weekend’s decent point in the Edinburgh derby with a match against Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Steve Clarke’s side still have lots to play for, currently three points off Aberdeen in third. If they want any chance of securing a guaranteed European spot, they have to win at Tynecastle.
Clarke will go to Gorgie needing a win. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
With a European place out of reach for Craig Levein’s side now, it’ll be about building momentum ahead of the Scottish Cup final. In that respect, this game is important for the Jambos.
It’s also possible Levein could make changes to his matchday squad. With that in mind, I’ve taken my predictions at who the Tynecastle side will go with on Saturday.
The starting XI
Zdenek Zlamal will be between the sticks. A back three worked wonders for Levein last week, at least from a defensive point of view, so I think he’ll go with it again.
A Hearts regular as of late. (photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Captain Christophe Berra, John Souttar and Clevid Dikamona is what I think the back three will look like. Joe Shaughnessy was unconvincing in last week’s derby, opening the door for Dikamona to play his first 90 minutes since December.
Into the flanks and Michael Smith will be on the right. Jake Mulraney should keep his place on the left, following a decent derby display.
I think there will be one change in midfield from the derby, a surprise start for Ryan Edwards in place of Connor Smith. The Australian impressed in his first Jambos appearance, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Levein went with him from the start. Arnaud Djoum and Harry Cochrane keep their places.
Edwards could be in line for a shock return to the starting XI. (Photo by Jeff Holmes/Getty Images)
Steven MacLean made a big impact off the bench last week and I think he’ll replace Sean Clare on that basis. He linked well with Uche Ikpeazu, and Levein may want to give them some game time together from the start.
So in total three changes from last week’s derby. Here’s our full starting XI in list form