Hearts, aiming to end their three-game losing streak in the Conference League, are set to face Petrocub Hincesti, who are yet to win a game in the league phase, on Thursday night.
The hosts are 23rd in the standings with six points from five matches, leaving them in need of points to ensure their place in the knockout rounds, while the visitors are 35th with just one point.
Match preview
© Imago
After a difficult start to the 2024-25 campaign that saw Hearts fail to win any of their opening 10 games across all competitions, including being eliminated from the Europa League qualification in that time, the Jambos finally secured their first win against Dinamo Minsk on matchday one of the Conference League.
They went on to enjoy an improved run under new boss Neil Critchley, who took charge from Steven Naismith after the disappointing start to the season, including a 2-0 win against Omonia Nicosia to see Hearts secure maximum points from their first two fixtures.
However, they have failed to build on that momentum in their following three Conference League outings, falling to defeat against Heidenheim (2-0), Cercle Brugge (2-0) and Copenhagen (2-0), leaving them precariously on the edge of elimination at the league phase.
The Jambos sit 23rd in the table with six points, just two points inside the top 24 qualification places, leaving them in desperate need of a result in their final Conference League league phase fixture to ensure their place in the knockout rounds.
Their matchup with 35th-placed Petrocub could be a brilliant opportunity for Hearts to secure the points needed to ensure they place in the top 24, with the visitors having lost four and drawn one of their opening five games.
Petrocub secured a chance to compete for a place in European football this season as they lifted the Moldovan Super Liga table in 2023-24, the first time in their history.
After beating Ordabasy in the Champions League first qualifying round, they were defeated by APOEL Nicosia in the second, overcame The New Saints in the Europa League third qualifying round, but fell to Ludogorets in the playoff, resulting in them dropping into the Conference League.
Their appearance in the league phase has meant they are just the second Moldovan team to reach the league or group stage of a UEFA Club competition, but their experience in the Conference League has been far from positive.
They are unable to qualify for the knockout stages as they trail the top 24 by four points with just one game remaining, but they will still be desperate to secure a historic first victory in this one.
Team News
© Imago
Calem Nieuwenhof, Frankie Kent, Gerald Taylor and Stephen Kingsley are all ruled out for the hosts, though all four are expected to make their returns to the side in the coming weeks.
Despite failing to beat 10-man Kilmarnock last time out, an encouraging performance could see Critchley opt to name a similar side here, although Lawrence Shankland is expected to return after being suspended last time out.
As for the visitors, this is set to be their first game since narrowly being defeated by Real Betis 1-0 in their last Conference League fixture, and they could name a similar side here.
Ion Bors came off in the 34th minute of that game due to an injury issue, meaning Narh Djangmah could come into the starting team to face Hearts.
Hearts possible starting lineup:
Gordon; Oyegoke, Halkett, Rowles, Penrice; Devlin, Boateng; Vargas, Spittal, Forrest; Shankland
Petrocub Hincesti possible starting lineup:
Smalenea; Jardan, Potirniche, Mudrac, Djangmah, Demian; Ambros, Lungu, Douanla, Puscas; Platica
We say: Hearts 2-0 Petrocub Hincesti
Hearts may be enduring a difficult season by their standards, but they are undoubtedly the stronger team heading into this game, and we expect the hosts to secure the win here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
