*** official Heart Of Midlothian v The Hobos ***

[gorgieshuffle]

26 minutes ago, gorgieshuffle said:

What’s going to be the team? Same v St Mirren? Was Beni just rested tonight or does he have an issue? 
 

Gordon

Oyegoke

Kent 

Rowles

Penrice

Boateng

Spittal

Shanks 

 

The above all seem nailed on. Leaves 3 places. 1 CM and 2 forwards. Beni if fit. Does Spittal start where he did tonight? Different combinations available now. Spittal beside Shanks after that performance for me. Leaves Vargas, Dhanda and Forrest fighting for the wide positions.

 

Beni

Devlin

Dhanda

Forrest 

Vargas

 

Could see hibs play a back 5. To cope with our two up and try have extra body in midfield. Our high and overlapping fullbacks could and should get 2v1 out wide though and hopefully start pulling their centre halves wide. Either that or they match us up. We smash them if they do that. We’ve simply better players. Their set up could dictate the combination of our front 4. 
 

Depth of cover off the bench in

 

Kingsley

Forrester

Halkett

Grant

Mckay
Clark

 

Leaves space for one other. Wilson you’d think over Tait. 

Missed Boyce so potentially him. Senior player. I’d rather have the legs of Wilson. Be interesting to see what happens there. Tait would take spot on bench if Beni missing. 

[JimmyCant]

1 hour ago, gorgieshuffle said:

What’s going to be the team? Same v St Mirren? Was Beni just rested tonight or does he have an issue? 
 

Gordon

Oyegoke

Kent 

Rowles

Penrice

Boateng

Spittal

Shanks 

 

The above all seem nailed on. Leaves 3 places. 1 CM and 2 forwards. Beni if fit. Does Spittal start where he did tonight? Different combinations available now. Spittal beside Shanks after that performance for me. Leaves Vargas, Dhanda and Forrest fighting for the wide positions.

 

Beni

Devlin

Dhanda

Forrest 

Vargas

 

Could see hibs play a back 5. To cope with our two up and try have extra body in midfield. Our high and overlapping fullbacks could and should get 2v1 out wide though and hopefully start pulling their centre halves wide. Either that or they match us up. We smash them if they do that. We’ve simply better players. Their set up could dictate the combination of our front 4. 
 

Depth of cover off the bench in

 

Kingsley

Forrester

Halkett

Grant

Mckay
Clark

 

Leaves space for one other. Wilson you’d think over Tait. 

Resting can probably wait until the two games after this

 

I think Oyegoke and Penrice back as starting full backs

 

Boateng and Beni (Devlin if Beni doesn’t recover)

 

Front 4 Dhanda Spittal Shankland and probably Vargas

 

Basically the same team that started against St Mirren. I’d only really question if Vargas needs a breather as he is high energy and can’t go forever game after game at full throttle, plus he’s not great when he drops off the pace 

 

A few changes in midweek probably  as we’ll have a few players who’ve played a lot of minutes

 

Ill be having my usual fun bet of Hearts to score 4+

Edited October 25, 2024 by JimmyCant

[gorgieshuffle]

9 minutes ago, JimmyCant said:

Resting can probably wait until the two games after this

 

I think Oyegoke and Penrice back as starting full backs

 

Boateng and Beni (Devlin if Beni doesn’t recover)

 

Front 4 Dhanda Spittal Shankland and probably Vargas

 

Basically the same team that started against St Mirren.

 

A few changes in midweek probably  as we’ll have a few players who’ve played a lot of minutes

Think you’re probably right. Wonder if Vargas could go back central and Spittal off the left though. Critchley explained post match they saw something in Omonoia that made him play Spittal where he did. I think there is potential for the combinations in that front 4 to alter depending on opposition. 
If hibs go a back 541 to cope with us wide they’ll struggle to get out. 532 and we hurt them wide. Match us up we beat them man for man. If they play a back 4 it be tempting to play Forrest on left v Miller who is slower than a week in the jail.
Feels like they’ve got all the problems and we’ve got good problems. What combination of forwards. 
They’ve only won 5 home league games in 2024! 

Edited October 25, 2024 by gorgieshuffle

[Watt-Zeefuik]

Not sure what it'll be but I think Critchley will change the formation from the 4-4-2/4-2-4 we've played.

 

Beni to start for sure unless he's hurt. I think he was just rested today.

 

 

Edited October 25, 2024 by Watt-Zeefuik

[JimmyCant]

6 minutes ago, gorgieshuffle said:

Think you’re probably right. Wonder if Vargas could go back central and Spittal off the left though. Critchley explained post match they saw something in Omonoia that made him play Spittal where he did. I think there is potential for the combinations in that front 4 to alter depending on opposition. 
If hibs go a back 541 to cope with us wide they’ll struggle to get out. 532 and we hurt them wide. Match us up we beat them man for man. If they play a back 4 it be tempting to play Forrest on left v Miller who is slower than a week in the jail.
Feels like they’ve got all the problems and we’ve got good problems. What combination of forwards. 
They’ve only won 5 home league games in 2024! 

They’ve played a back 4 all season. Pretty much unchanged as well. Can’t see them changing. Not even sure they’ve got 3 CB’s who can play in a 5 They might play 3 in the middle of the park which would normally trouble us in terms of pure numbers but they’ll have their hands full coping with our advanced full backs and fluidity up front just now.

 

Im as biased as we all are but even the Hibs fans I know only see one outcome . They are really weak defensively and we could fill our boots here if we’re at it 

[gorgieshuffle]

Potential issue for us is how we set the press v a back 5 although that’s how they thought St Mirren would set up so we’ll have done some work on it. 

1 minute ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

Not sure what it'll be but I think Critchley will change the formation from the 4-4-2/4-2-4 we've played.

 

Beni to start for sure unless he's hurt. I think he was just rested today.

 

I know it'll be unpopular but I could see us doing a true 3-5-2.

                  Gordon

    Oyegoke  Kent  Rowles

Forrester      Beni        Penrice

          Spittal       Dhanda

           Shanks    Forrest

No chance mate. 

[Watt-Zeefuik]

Just now, gorgieshuffle said:

Potential issue for us is how we set the press v a back 5 although that’s how they thought St Mirren would set up so we’ll have done some work on it. 

No chance mate. 

Yeah I deleted the lineup after I looked at it. Couldn't make it work in my head.

 

Still think Critchley may change it up. But who knows.

[gorgieshuffle]

Just now, JimmyCant said:

They’ve played a back 4 all season. Pretty much unchanged as well. Can’t see them changing. Not even sure they’ve got 3 CB’s who can play in a 5 They might play 3 in the middle of the park which would normally trouble us in terms of pure numbers but they’ll have their hands full coping with our advanced full backs and fluidity up front just now.

 

Im as biased as we all are but even the Hibs fans I know only see one outcome . They are really weak defensively and we could fill our boots here if we’re at it 

Seems to be a big cry from their support for it. They changed to it in match v Dundee Utd 

[Tazio]

After tonight their arseholes will be twitching like rabbit’s noses. 

[gorgieshuffle]

Just now, Tazio said:

After tonight their arseholes will be twitching like rabbit’s noses. 

Correct 👍

[JimmyCant]

2 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

Not sure what it'll be but I think Critchley will change the formation from the 4-4-2/4-2-4 we've played.

 

Beni to start for sure unless he's hurt. I think he was just rested today.

 

I know it'll be unpopular but I could see us doing a true 3-5-2.

                  Gordon

    Oyegoke  Kent  Rowles

Forrester      Beni        Penrice

          Spittal       Dhanda

           Shanks    Forrest

Not a chance we’re going to a back 5 in this game. 2 centre mids and the fluid front 4 is making us tick just now.

 

NC would be back to square 1 with the fans if he makes a radical change like that and doesn’t win

[Watt-Zeefuik]

Just now, JimmyCant said:

Not a chance we’re going to a back 5 in this game. 2 centre mids and the fluid front 4 is making us tick just now.

 

NC would be back to square 1 with the fans if he makes a radical change like that and doesn’t win

 

Heh I deleted it 30 seconds after I posted it but two of you saw it before I got there.

 

I was futzing with it trying to make the wingbacks work like the wingers today, with Vargas out at right mid or something. Couldn't make it work in my head.

[tiger Rudi]

Same team as against St Mirren, Vargas back through the middle leading the line, with Wilson/Musa as back up.

I can't see why we would change it. Hibs are at home, they won't sit in will they? Maybe they should. 

Devlin done well tonight and should start if Beni is a doubt through illness. 

Critchley might have another trick up his sleeve, we just don't know, but I'd be happy with the 4,4,2 formation. 4.2.2.2 at times 😁 

Kingsley, Forrest, Forrester all in contention for Killie game. 

[JimmyCant]

2 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

 

Heh I deleted it 30 seconds after I posted it but two of you saw it before I got there.

 

I was futzing with it trying to make the wingbacks work like the wingers today, with Vargas out at right mid or something. Couldn't make it work in my head.

As long as he didn’t read it and think ‘good idea’ you’re fine 😎

 

I thought when Penrice came on tonight he was going to switch to a 5 but he didn’t 

[gorgieshuffle]

4 minutes ago, JimmyCant said:

As long as he didn’t read it and think ‘good idea’ you’re fine 😎

 

I thought when Penrice came on tonight he was going to switch to a 5 but he didn’t 

He said post match he thought about it when their 10 started getting into pockets behind our midfield off the left. He’s defo going to want us to have the tactical ability to do that in future. He can’t do it in this run of games though as schedule too busy and no time to coach it and he didn’t want to risk upsetting things. Those ideas aren’t so different from Naismith. Early signs though that the difference is his ability to set that up coherently, at the right time and keeping a level of consistency. 

[Luckies1874]

57 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

Not sure what it'll be but I think Critchley will change the formation from the 4-4-2/4-2-4 we've played.

 

Beni to start for sure unless he's hurt. I think he was just rested today.

 

 

 

In Hearts standard interview Critchley said Beni was sick over night. 

[Watt-Zeefuik]

Just now, Luckies1874 said:

 

In Hearts standard interview Critchley said Beni was sick over night. 

Thanks.

 

Terrific midfield performance without him but I really hope he's back for the derby.

[Luckies1874]

2 minutes ago, Watt-Zeefuik said:

Thanks.

 

Terrific midfield performance without him but I really hope he's back for the derby.

 

Yep definitely.

 

Exciting to think about Beni, Boateng and Hoff being available at the same time. 

[No Idle Talk]

Hibs are Stevie the bookie.

 

[i8hibsh]

I think even Hibs fans know deep down that Hibs are going to be our bitches on Sunday afternoon.

[Arthur Morgan]

I think we have more than enough quality to do them on Sunday, but I just worry a wee bit about our fitness levels having played on Thursday.

[gregzy2k7]

Got to think the hobos will be out to do some of our players on Sunday, 

 

We will have to watch out when it comes to those 50/50 challenges.

 

I still fancy us to win though but I think it will be a tight game and not as comfortable as some seem to think,

 

another Shankland winner would be pleasing.

Edited October 25, 2024 by gregzy2k7
.

[Zen Jambo]

2-1 Hearts

 

Shanks to get a very early goal proceeded by 60 minutes of scrappy football where hobos are kicking lumps out of us. 
 

The vermin will then get a soft penalty.

 

But Spittal (or Dhanda) will score a screamer of a goal for a late winner. 

[Star Lizard]

If we win this one they might have to sack another manager and put David Gray back in temporary charge 

[daveyhmfc]

Complacency is what we need to guard against. 

[Aussie Jambo]

I’m pushing out the boat. 🫸🏻⛴️ 
5-1 🖐️☝️ the JTs

[Go for it 1308]

1 hour ago, Star Lizard said:

If we win this one they might have to sack another manager and put David Gray back in temporary charge 

Bravo 👏 👏 👏 😂

[Ex member of the SaS]

Just don't stop scoring, don't take the foot off the gas and pummel them stupid. FTH.

[Baxfee]

I hope hibs go with the 3 up front as they are obviously so fast and skilled! Would definitely help us if they do as it weakens their midfield- and with newell missing, that is not the most robust area for them. Being at fester road goes in our favour as the jambos will be loud and jumping - the players will need that. Early goal for us and their fans will be on their backs. I’m not being arrogant but get the focus right and this could be a game to remember! 

[JimmyCant]

6 hours ago, gregzy2k7 said:

Got to think the hobos will be out to do some of our players on Sunday, 

 

We will have to watch out when it comes to those 50/50 challenges.

 

I still fancy us to win though but I think it will be a tight game and not as comfortable as some seem to think,

 

another Shankland winner would be pleasing.

Ach that’s a bit of a myth. They’re always physical intense games and we’ve given as good as we’ve got  but I can only think of one time their players have really set out to hurt ours and that was one of the semi finals where they lost the head

[hmfc1984]

3 hours ago, Zen Jambo said:

2-1 Hearts

 

Shanks to get a very early goal proceeded by 60 minutes of scrappy football where hobos are kicking lumps out of us. 
 

The vermin will then get a soft penalty.

 

But Spittal (or Dhanda) will score a screamer of a goal for a late winner. 

God I ****ing hope this isn't the case but you can write the script now. Always tight games as no one wants to lose. I could do with not feeling like I'm on the verge of a heart attack for the final 20 mins!

3-0 by half time please, then good second half game management from us and a red card for Hibs due to them getting frustrated. Home for a takeaway and a few beers and the feeling our season has well and truly turned a corner. 

[mellors1874]

Taking my two boys to Easter Road for the first time ever for a derby 

Been a while since I've been as well.

Can't wait.

Win the midfield battle win the game.

Play like we have in the last two games they will make mistakes when we press.

 

Edited October 25, 2024 by mellors1874

[John Findlay]

I wouldn't be surprised if it ended a draw. Will be a tight game.

[cookieboy]

leaving at 9 in the Shandon for 10 down to the San Giro for 12 

[Ron Burgundy]

I'm not overly confident as it's a derby and still remember getting beat 2-0 there when we thought we were invincible ( season Burley was sacked). Was way over confident going into that.

Also the 2-2 money spinner. Thought at 2-0 this could end up 6 or 7.

I'm sure an Easter Road smashing of them will happen again, just not sure when. 

For some reason previous teams and managers have gone there as if it's Barcelona away and been cagey as hell. I'd like to see that high press again and play with the same energy.

Edited October 25, 2024 by Ron Burgundy

[FerryJambo81]

1 hour ago, mellors1874 said:

Taking my two boys to Easter Road for the first time ever for a derby 

Been a while since I've been as well.

Can't wait.

Win the midfield battle win the game.

Play like we have in the last two games they will make mistakes when we press.

 

The very same here.  Had to forfeit ER  when they were younger, couldn't get to enough games for LP.

 

Youngest 9 in couple weeks, hope he doesn't get too crushed....😱🤦‍♂️ they're properly excited

 

Always a negative Jenny with Derbies, just my way. If we play as we have since NC rocked up, we should have enough to see them away...

[TheBigO]

10 hours ago, gorgieshuffle said:

Think you’re probably right. Wonder if Vargas could go back central and Spittal off the left though. Critchley explained post match they saw something in Omonoia that made him play Spittal where he did. I think there is potential for the combinations in that front 4 to alter depending on opposition. 
If hibs go a back 541 to cope with us wide they’ll struggle to get out. 532 and we hurt them wide. Match us up we beat them man for man. If they play a back 4 it be tempting to play Forrest on left v Miller who is slower than a week in the jail.
Feels like they’ve got all the problems and we’ve got good problems. What combination of forwards. 
They’ve only won 5 home league games in 2024! 

I might be wrong (had to watch on tv and only had half an eye on first 15), but did we not start with Kenny up top then change him right and put Spittal middle, or was it like that from start?

 

I'd be going same team as v St Mirren personally, Spittal and Dhanda wide but Kenny with the intelligence to cover when one roams (as per our 2nd goal v StM).  High energy press on their shocking defence will yield results.  Only concern (which we can deal with) will be forcing long aimless punts in behind (their bread and butter) and them getting lucky on them.

 

As long as our finishing is half decent, we win this.  Shanks got his first 7/10 of the season last night and looked WAAAAY more like himself, which I think we're all hoping is a good omen!

[whytebeard]

Where is the best and earliest place for a drink on Sunday?

Hate these 12 kickoffs

[Rick Sanchez]

It's funny watching them list their preffered line ups for Sunday and seeing them write Rudi

 

Life really does find a way of messing with them.

[BigStein]

Will trust the managers team selection on this as every player looks improved in the last couple of games. 
 

Let’s get absolutely torn into these tramps from kick off Hearts

[Chimp]

10 minutes ago, Rick Sanchez said:

It's funny watching them list their preffered line ups for Sunday and seeing them write Rudi

 

Life really does find a way of messing with them.

 

Baffles me that they keep referring to him as Rudi rather than using his surname. Even when the Hibs social media accounts mention it they put it as Ruuudiii they same we we would chant his name. Only Hibs would choose to go with the namesake of a legendary Hearts player who caused them so much suffering 😆

 

 

 

[Red Card Ref]

23 minutes ago, Rick Sanchez said:

It's funny watching them list their preffered line ups for Sunday and seeing them write Rudi

 

Life really does find a way of messing with them.

I have fantasized them singing Rudi Rudi Rudi, like we did. But we then unroll a huge banner with our Rudi holding the Scottish Cup on it. Then we take over the chant.

That would be an amazing smack down 👌 

Edited October 25, 2024 by Red Card Ref

[Dallas Green]

Got the usual Derby fear, I hate losing to them. Thankfully in my lifetime it's been such a low occurrence though. 

 

I hope he stays with 4 at the back and the same team that played St Mirren. The press we have atm will scare the absolute shit out of those Hibs defenders.

 

I'd love to absolutely demolish them. Put a real stamp of authority on them and sign off this first week of Critchley with at least 10 goals.

 

I can dream.

[milky_26]

11 hours ago, gorgieshuffle said:

Think you’re probably right. Wonder if Vargas could go back central and Spittal off the left though. Critchley explained post match they saw something in Omonoia that made him play Spittal where he did. I think there is potential for the combinations in that front 4 to alter depending on opposition. 
If hibs go a back 541 to cope with us wide they’ll struggle to get out. 532 and we hurt them wide. Match us up we beat them man for man. If they play a back 4 it be tempting to play Forrest on left v Miller who is slower than a week in the jail.
Feels like they’ve got all the problems and we’ve got good problems. What combination of forwards. 
They’ve only won 5 home league games in 2024! 

If that's the case with the hibs keeper spittal will be played on the edge of their box and told to shoot, he will get a first half hat trick 

[tiger Rudi]

5 hours ago, Star Lizard said:

If we win this one they might have to sack another manager and put David Gray back in temporary charge 

🤣😂

[gorgieshuffle]

1 hour ago, TheBigO said:

I might be wrong (had to watch on tv and only had half an eye on first 15), but did we not start with Kenny up top then change him right and put Spittal middle, or was it like that from start?

 

I'd be going same team as v St Mirren personally, Spittal and Dhanda wide but Kenny with the intelligence to cover when one roams (as per our 2nd goal v StM).  High energy press on their shocking defence will yield results.  Only concern (which we can deal with) will be forcing long aimless punts in behind (their bread and butter) and them getting lucky on them.

 

As long as our finishing is half decent, we win this.  Shanks got his first 7/10 of the season last night and looked WAAAAY more like himself, which I think we're all hoping is a good omen!

Spittal started central. Had a shot in opening seconds. Lead our press from that position. Defo interested to see where he plays Sunday. Was given the licence to roam. 
 

Yeah you’d think they will target our channels with our full backs high on the counter. Like you say their bread and butter anyway. 
 

Shanks feels a nap for a goal! 

[Captain Canada]

If everyone is fit, my team would be: 

 

Gordon 

Oyegoke Kent Rowles Penrice 

Dhanda Boateng Beni Spittal

Vargas Shankland 

 

As they're at home, they'll want to attack and I think we can hurt them on the break with this lineup. 

 

Ideally though, we'll be in more control of possession than a lot of games at ER in the past. 

[Turkishcap]

6 goals 5 different scorers.

Shackle Shanks now and we will still score.

[gorgieshuffle]

Gray was at the game last night. Has preferred a 4231. 2nd half Omonoia tried to get a 10 in behind our midfield 4 and off a side to create an overload and gives us a problem. He might try replicate something similar so will be one to watch out for. It’s really all about us though and having the energy and legs to go again. Fast start for us and early goal and it could be a good day! 

[cheetah]

Critchley's first away game, will be interesting to see if he plays it any different.

 

0-1 Hearts (Vargas)