Robbie Neilson admitted that he settled on his starting XI for the encounter “three weeks ago”, using the Betfred Cup and pre-season matches to build towards it. It hasn’t been all plain sailing with key men Liam Boyce and Michael Smith away with Northern Ireland on international duty.
There was also the midweek cup clash with Raith Rovers which saw Neilson ring the changes, making eight which brought some positive individual performances. But could they force a late change?
Scroll down and click through to see what could be the first Hearts XI of the league season.
Scroll down and click through to see what could be the first Hearts XI of the league season.