Hearts were 3rd in the league 30 points off the top last season and a record in the league this year of one win, one draw and two losses leaves them 8th. This is their second Europa league qualifier this season, the previous one being a 5-2 aggregate victory against Hungarian side Paksi FC. This time last year we were breathing a collective sigh of relief that after the first leg against Young Boys, it wasn't that bad. I can't see anything but the same or better this time. Not meaning to disrespect Hearts too much, but we have the better team and should be breezing through... Famous last words.
Opposition Fan View
Even though nobody has seen us play a competitive game this season, the first forum discussion I came against was titled, "How can we cope with Spurs?" Delving into it further, I find that it appears Crouch once again has a job to do in Europe. Apparently, their defenders don't deal well with bean poles. And they have absolutely no confidence in their midfielders out playing the likes of Lennon, Modric, Bale, VDV etc. Some are hoping that Redknapp has an eye on the Man U game and plays a weakened side, and some are hoping we put out our first 11 and give them a good game, as at the end of the day, they all pretty much reckon they're going to get thrashed at the Lane anyway.
Score predictions approx: 60% Spurs win, 20% draw, 20% Hearts win.
Team News
Whilst Hearts have a pretty much full team, we have a wafer thin central midfield. Huddlestone, Modric (injured, resting, or keeping his options open?), Jenas, Pienaar, Palacios, Sandro, Hutton, King and Gallas are all out, whilst last seasons top scorer, Van Der Vaart makes his return.
How we have so many injured before the start of the season I don't know. But it leaves us with something resembling a full strength squad that may look like this:
Gomes
Walker Dawson Kaboul BAE
Lennon Livermore Krancjar Bale
VDV Crouch
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