Daniel Stendel will lead his Hearts side out for the first time on Saturday in front of an excited and hopeful home crowd against St Johnstone. The German faces the ideal opposition in St Johnstone. Tommy Wright’s Saints are bottom of the table. His first line-up will be an intriguing one, but with a number of players out injured or doubtful for the game his choices are limited. Will this be his starting XI…?
1. GK: Joel Pereira
Zdenek Zlamal and Colin Doyle are out with injury. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
2. RB: Michael Smith
Of course he is going to play. With full-back issues he will find himself in one of the full-back roles. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
3. CB: Craig Halkett
The centre-back is still getting back up to speed after his injury. While likely thrive under Stendel. Photo: SNS Group Ross Parker
4. CB: Christophe Berra
There have been calls for the captain to get dropped. It would be quite a statement from the new manager if he was to. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group