This week’s trip to Greece could be a potentially season defining one for Hearts as they look to once again secure group stage European football.
To do that they will need to overcome a 2-1 aggregate deficit against PAOK when they face the Greek side at the Stadio Toumbas in their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round second leg. After a disappointing 1-0 Scottish Premiership defeat to Dundee last weekend the coaching team may look to make a few tweaks to the line up.
Here is how the Edinburgh Evening News predict the Hearts starting XI will look for the match:
1. GK - Zander Clark
Will be eager to atone for the manner of Dundee’s winner at Dens Park on Sunday. Several players were culpable in losing such a cheap goal at a time in the game when Hearts were enjoying their best spell.
2. RB - Nathaniel Atkinson
Got forward well after coming on as a half-time substitute at the weekend and his pace will be important in a defensive context in the Toumba Stadium. Needs to defend with authority and distribute the ball carefully to ensure possession is retained.
3. RCB - Frankie Kent
Enjoyed a physical battle against PAOK’s Spanish striker Brandon at Tynecastle last week and will relish a reunion in Thessaloniki. Kent got the better of the battle in Edinburgh but, with more space on the pitch at Toumba, Brandon might be a different customer altogether.
4. LCB - Kye Rowles
His partnership with Kent has seen Hearts conceded only one goal in four domestic matches so far this season. Will be disappointed at conceding the penalty from which PAOK equalised in the first leg. His pace is likely to be an important asset against a lively Greek front line.