Hearts return to League Cup action tonight to take on Cowdenbeath.
Craig Levein’s side endured a disappointing start to their campaign, drawing 1-1 with Dundee United at Tynecastle. They did claim the bonus point though which places them in second behind table toppers Cowdenbeath.
They’ll need a win at Central Park to go above them in Group A and Levein will likely make plenty of changes from his first competitive Hearts XI of the 2018/19 season.
Here’s our predictions for who’ll start for the Jambos.
The starting XI
In goals will be Zdenek Zlamal, although it won’t be a surprise if Colin Doyle is fielded to provide the Irishman with minutes.
At the back will be Michael Smith, with a centre-back paring of John Souttar and potential debutant Craig Halkett. At left-back will be Bobby Burns, with the Jambos perhaps looking to give youngster Aaron Hickey a rest.
We think it’ll be a midfield three of Sean Clare, Ryan Edwards and Harry Cochrane. With Andy Irving suspended and Peter Haring out with injury, Hearts don’t have a lot of defensive midfield options. A three should keep things ticking in the middle.
That leaves an attacking trio of Jamie Walker and Dario Zanatta on either side of Steven MacLean. Whilst they’ll have a specific position on the teamsheet, the three of them will likely roam the attacking third in free roles.
Overall there are six changes from the United game for Levein in a 4-3-3 formation. This team should be enough to dispatch of their League Two opponents. Here’s our starting XI in list form.