Probable Lineups

4-2-3-1
3-5-2
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Probable Lineups Statistical Comparison

(13) 5 Goals 8 (9)
(10) 7 Assists 2 (5)
(6.5) 6.6 Average Ratings 6.7 (6.5)
27.2 Average Age 26.4
180.9 Average Height (cm) 185
(0.9) 0.9 Shots pg 0.9 (0.7)
(49%) 50% Aerial Duel Success 54% (53%)
(0.4) 0.5 Dribbles pg 0.5 (0.6)
(1.6) 1.4 Tackles pg 1.1 (1.5)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in Premiership.

Missing Players

Hearts
Ross County
Player Reason Status Rating
Calem Nieuwenhof Out N/A
Gerald Taylor Doubtful 6.48
Player Reason Status Rating
Aidan Denholm Out 6.39
Ricki Lamie Doubtful N/A
Max Sheaf Doubtful N/A

Team News

Hearts
Ross County
  • There was one change for Hearts from the 2-0 defeat to Celtic in Glasgow, before a 2-1 defeat to St Mirren last weekend proved Steven Naismith's final match as Heart of Midlothian manager.
  • The Jambos switched to a back four of Gerald Taylor, goalscorer Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley and James Penrice as Kye Rowles made way. Beni Baningime and Malachi Boateng were the midfield duo sat in front of the back four.
  • Blair Spittal entered the starting eleven, on the left hand side, to join Jorge Grant and Kenneth Vargas in support of lone striker Lawrence Shankland who is yet to score for the men in maroon this season.
  • Ross County boss Don Cowie made named one enforced change after the Staggies recorded a 2-0 win over Dundee in Dingwall, before battling back to claim a 3-3 draw against St Johnstone last Saturday in the Highlands.
  • Ryan Leak joined Akil Wright and Kacper Lopata in the trio of County centre-backs. George Harmon made way at left wing-back as Elijah Campbell moved out to the left side of defence. James Brown kept his place at right wing-back.
  • Aidan Denholm is on loan from Hearts so can't feature this weekend. Noah Chilvers joined Connor Randall and Josh Nisbet in midfield once more. Jordan White partnered Ronan Hale at Eamonn Brophy's expense up front.

Prediction

  • Hearts are one of two Scottish Premiership teams still in search of a first league victory, with Ross County having won just one of their six league games so far this season.
  • The Jambos parted company with Steven Naismith after a successful season last year was unable to be replicated so far in the current campaign. Eight defeats on the spin is the second worst run in the club's 150-year history. There's huge pressure mounting in Gorgie, given the men in maroon haven't even taken the lead in any of the nine matches they've played in all competitions so far this season.
  • The Staggies spurned the chance to win back-to-back league matches for just the second time since the start of last season, having last done so with victories over St Mirren and Motherwell back in November and December 2023. A late flurry in Dingwall at the weekend saw County pick up a point against managerless St Johnstone, and they'll hope to take advantage with Hearts' situation too.
  • County haven't lost to Hearts in two meetings, winning in Dingwall but drawing in Edinburgh last season, but the Jambos will hope to use a new voice in order to sneak past the Staggies this weekend.
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