[FT] Hearts 4 - 1 Rangers (Hyndman 36)

[Frankie 8,157]

Rangers fans won't need reminded of the last time we visited Tynecastle. Almost exactly two months to the day, we put in arguably our worst performance of the season to go down 0-2 in Edinburgh. Although we had late opportunities to sneak a goal or two and had one controversially disallowed shortly after half-time, we simply didn't turn up for the vast majority of the game. Our midfield - in particular - was woeful whilst James Tavernier was posted missing for both goals.

 

The post mortem was immediate and one of understandable panic given we we played Aberdeen just a few days later and Hearts again the following weekend. Add in a few tough away matches and the visit of Celtic, suddenly the imperative nature of Europa League qualification was looking under threat. Meanwhile, many players were severely criticised and the manager also under the cosh from fans and in the media.

 

Thankfully the reaction was a positive one. Aberdeen and Hearts were duly comfortably dispatched and, an unfortunate defeat at home to Celtic aside, our form has been reasonable since - even if we lost avoidable goals away to Hamilton and St Johnstone. As recently as last Saturday, despite a daft red card for Michael O'Halloran inside the first five minutes, the team showed good character to put in a fine second half display and secure a solid victory at Motherwell. This means we're now 11 points ahead of Hearts and still in second place ahead of Aberdeen in the battle for European football. However, the Dons' game in hand and superior goal difference tells us, it's far from job done.

 

In that sense, it was good to see the manager add to his squad during the January window with only the ineffectual Matt Crooks and frustrated Matt Gilks moving on. Jon Toral and Emerson Hyndman have come in to strengthen what has often been a struggling midfield and Jak Alnwick will provide competition for the impressive Wes Foderingham. Some fans are frustrated that we've been unable to add a new defender or striker but, quite simply, unless we moved on fringe players then this was always unlikely in terms of budget. I'd also argue our midfield was the priority as we were struggling in possession and failing to create chances or protect the defence.

 

However, our relative transfer inactivity has resulted in some mischief-making in the media over the manager's own expectations but as much as some journalists earn their cash by sowing the seeds of doubt, you can view Mark Warburton's comments for yourself in the press conference video below. Yes, I'm sure the manager is looking for a better squad but he didn't come into this job with his eyes shut so will appreciate the budgetary restrictions upon him. He'll also be well aware it was he who signed guys like O'Halloran and Senderos who may not be providing the kind of quality he hoped for. As such it's up to him to address that with the players he has and deliver a suitable league (and cup) finish to strengthen his argument for decent funds come the summer.

 

 

With that in mind, Warburton will have been heartened by his team's display last Saturday. Not only did his first XI play well enough, his subs also came on to good effect. Indeed, the only disappointment would have been we didn't score more goals to reflect the possession and chances we did have. Nevertheless, we did play well - as did Craig Samson in the home side's goal.

 

As such, I wouldn't expect many changes to the team tonight. The manager has said Lee Hodson and Danny Wilson are fit again and Joe Garner may also be keen to feature - from the bench at least as he recovers from a recent shoulder injury. With Michael O'Halloran suspended for the next two games that certainly opens up a spot on the right side of our attack so arguably the only decision for the manager tonight is who to play there. In fact, there's an argument for five or six different players to claim that position so well worthy of discussion.

 

If the manager fancied keeping it tight, he could recall Lee Hodson to right back and push Tav into a more offensive position. He could also play the moderate card and start Harry Forrester who'd provide a more creative outlet (but who also started there in November and struggled). Perhaps most likely though is to maintain our attacking threat and start Martyn Waghorn (or Joe Dodoo) to help support the in-form Kenny Miller. Finally, Jon Toral could start wider with Josh Windass or Jason Holt brought back in centrally to match the undoubted energy Hearts will have in the engine room.

 

No matter what team is selected, tonight's game is a chance for the players and manager to set the record (or should that be the Record?) straight on where they stand moving forward. Sure, as the November fixture displayed, no season is necessarily dictated by a one-off result but this is an opportunity to not only show what we're capable of but to sound the death knell on Hearts' chances for a top three position. As such, it's games like these that form the character of players and coaches. Ultimately, that's where they'll be judged and the jury will always be eager to deliver their opinion. Let's hope it's a positive one tonight!

 

Possible team (4-3-3):

 

Edited February 1, 2017 by Frankie

[26th of foot 5,841]

I would prefer Hodson at right back, push Tav' one forward into midfield. Halliday, Hyndman , and Tav' should provide the necessary energy in the middle. Miller, McKay, and Jon Toral as the front three.

 

Please Rangers, step up and hold a high line. Press the game, keep playing through them, and we will win. Cathro is under pressure, don't give him the freebie of another lax first half.

[theboyharley 5]

Halliday needs dropped. He's been so ineffectual for months now. I think there's an argument for playing Holt that wee bit deeper with his energy levels though his build could hamper him there. What's the latest with Rossiter? Hopefully the boy gets rid of his injuries and he can get a run of games soon.

 

I had also hoped that HF would take note of MW's comments about him and start putting more of a shift in in training and on match day. He seems to love himself a bit too much from what I've heard which is a shame because he's got talent.

 

It's a big night for Tav if he starts at right back. I think we'll be out for revenge and I reckon we'll win 3-1 tonight

 

 

 

[Frankie 8,157]

Yeah, it's difficult to pick Halliday but I don't think we have another player that could play the same, deeper role better - in terms of covering in deeper positions and winning tackles where required. Windass, Toral, Hyndman and even Tav just aren't that kind of physical player.

[der Berliner 3,263]

I would assume that Miller and Halliday are auto-picks, which, when it comes to the latter, would be unfortunate. Sure, Halliday gives his all, but at the end of the day, he is due a rest as much as Holt was. Tavernier should only get a start because of his last game (and the fact that Hodson was injured). And I would sure not move him into midfield, as long as he does not offer a greater attacking threat.

 

I for one would actually not throw Toral in from the start. He's good, but not a straight starter. Again, I would not be surprised if Arsenal has a clause in his contract demanding him being played when fit ... which seemed to be the case with Zelalem.

 

We need someone who holds the line up front and is a constant threat, rather than a threesome that is constantly moving about, like Miller was, but no-one is up front to hurt the opposition. We should harm Hearts from the off, hence ...

 

Foderingham

 

Tavernier/Hodson - Kiernan - Hill - Wallace

 

Holt - Hyndman

 

Miller

 

Waghorn - Dodoo - McKay

 

... with Holt and Hyndman in the engine room, Miller being the creative force and the front line out to keep Hearts busy. Then we have Toral, Forrester and Windass to harm then later on. IMHO, it would be a travesty if we don't start Waghorn, who has been in good form these last few weeks.

Edited February 1, 2017 by der Berliner

[Whosthedado 1,508]

One thing for sure we can't play as bad as we where that night in November. I'm confident we will sort it out tonight and get a bit of revenge

[ian1964 10,428]

Not sure who will play for Hearts tonight due to a lot of new signings, but as always it's all about us, if we play to what we can then I think we will win.

Hearts last game against Raith in the cup showed nothing to fear with the match going to extra time after Hardie equalised.

 

[aweebluesoandso 290]

There's a few Hearts fans knocking Cathro, i can see why their moaning, not because the are losing more than winning, but for the changes he is trying to make. I took a look at their game against them on Sunday. Hearts were completely out matched, the tims were faster, stronger and better organised. However, and for me it's noticeable, Hearts are trying to play good football, their passing was good at times and they got into some good position at times also, it was unfortunate they were up against a determined to win some record by the tims, any other team and i include us it would have a bit closer in the result.

 

Tonight won't be the same sort of game as the last one at Tynecastle were they completely out muscled us, muscle is not the Cathro look, we better play good football, quick passing, control. They'll be the usual passion from Hearts but i'm looking forward to a good game of football, we'll see?

Edited February 1, 2017 by aweebluesoandso

[Big Jaws 570]

I fully expect Hearts to kick everything above the grass tonight with Halliday and Hyndman getting some extra attention.

[Uilleam 5,449]

I fully expect Hearts to kick everything above the grass tonight with Halliday and Hyndman getting some extra attention.

 

To me, Halliday always seems to get extra attention; some of the tackles he endures are brutal.