Conference League | League Stage

Dec 19, 2024 at 8pm UK

Tynecastle Park

Heartsvs.Petrocub

Match preview

After a difficult start to the 2024-25 season, which saw Hearts fail to win any of their opening 10 games in all competitions, including being knocked out of the Europa League qualifiers, the Jambos finally got their first win against Dinamo Minsk on the opening day of the Conference season.

Under new boss Neil Critchley, who took over from Steven Naismith after a disappointing start to the season, Hearts have since improved, including a 2-0 win over Omonia Nicosia to take maximum points from their opening two games.

However, they failed to build on that momentum in their next three Conference League games, losing 2-0 to Heidenheim, 2-0 to Cercle Brugge and 2-0 to Copenhagen to leave them on the brink of elimination from the league phase.

The Jambos sit 23rd in the standings with six points, just two points clear of the top 24 qualifying places, and desperately need a result in their final game of the Conference League phase to ensure their place in the knockout rounds.

Their clash with 35th-placed Petrocub could be a golden opportunity for Hearts to pick up the points they need to secure a place in the top 24, with the visitors having lost four and drawn one of their opening five games.

Petrocub secured the chance to compete for a place in European football this season when they won the Moldovan Super Liga for the first time in their history in 2023-24.

After beating Ordabasy in the first qualifying round for the Champions League, they lost to APOEL Nicosia in the second, then beat The New Saints in the third qualifying round for the Europa League, but lost to Ludogorets in the play-offs to drop into the Conference League.

Their appearance in the league phase means they are only 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 cannot qualify for the knockout stages as they are four points adrift of the top 24 with a game in hand, but will be desperate to secure a historic first win.

Recent Performance

Hearts Conference League form:WWLLL

Hearts form (all competitions):LLDWLL

Petrocub Hincesti Conference League form:LLLDL

Petrocub Hincesti form (all competitions):LLLLDL

Team News

Calem Nieuwenhof, Frankie Kent, Gerald Taylor and Stephen Kingsley are all out for the hosts, although all four are expected to return in the coming weeks.

Despite failing to beat a 10-man Kilmarnock last time out, an encouraging performance could see Critchley name a similar side this time around, although Lawrence Shankland is expected to return from suspension.

For the visitors, this will be their first game back since a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Betis in their last Conference League outing, and they could name a similar side.

Ion Bors was forced off in the 34th minute of that game through injury, meaning Narh Djangmah could come into the starting line-up against Hearts.

Possible starting lineup

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