***Official Ross County v Heart of Midlothian Match Thread***

[tartofmidlothian]

It's utterly ****ed up to think of it this way, but this is our cup final, our biggest game of the season. Win and we're safe, they'd need 9 from 9 and for us to get 0 from 9 to catch us. Draw and we're probably safe, they'd need two wins from three and for us to take no more than a point from those games. Lose and the gap to the playoffs is 2 points, suddenly we're in deep trouble.

 

No passengers required, I'd be tempted to start Vargas and maybe Musa or Dhanda. Hopefully Fox keeps it simple and direct and ends the diamond.

[lost in space]

Found it very difficult to come up with a team for this. Maybe a 4-1-3-2

Gordon

Kingsley Kent McCart Penrice

Beni

Devlin Dhanda Hoff

Shankland Vargas

 

Subs - Fulton, Steinwinder, Halkett, Grant, Musa, Kabangu, Wilson (if available).

 

Devlin has to get forward. I would not even have Kartum or Spttal or Forester or Forrest on the bench.

 

[FIGJAM]

19 minutes ago, tartofmidlothian said:

It's utterly ****ed up to think of it this way, but this is our cup final, our biggest game of the season. Win and we're safe, they'd need 9 from 9 and for us to get 0 from 9 to catch us. Draw and we're probably safe, they'd need two wins from three and for us to take no more than a point from those games. Lose and the gap to the playoffs is 2 points, suddenly we're in deep trouble.

 

No passengers required, I'd be tempted to start Vargas and maybe Musa or Dhanda. Hopefully Fox keeps it simple and direct and ends the diamond.

Your post is the exact reason I worry more about Saturday now NC gone. There is a reason why Musa and Vargas not played many minutes. And in our biggest game of the year you turn to them. We are totally horsed.

[Mikey1874]

Ross County still struggling. Surely at some point will go down.

[jamboozy]

Away loss.

[south morocco]

Take a point right now, sad as that is…

[Chuck Berry]

Gordon

 

Forrester Kent Halkett Penrice

 

Devlin

 

Hoff Kartum Spittal 

 

Kabangu Shanks

 

Let's play two up, Devlin sitting and Kartum, Hoff and Spittal pushing forward in support of the strikers.

 

 

[Chuck Berry]

1 hour ago, tartofmidlothian said:

No passengers required, I'd be tempted to start Vargas and maybe Musa or Dhanda. Hopefully Fox keeps it simple and direct and ends the diamond.

 

You've just mentioned 3 passengers...

[AndrewB]

18 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

Gordon

 

Forrester Kent Halkett Penrice

 

Devlin

 

Hoff Kartum Spittal 

 

Kabangu Shanks

 

Let's play two up, Devlin sitting and Kartum, Hoff and Spittal pushing forward in support of the strikers.

 

 

No Beni, Chuck?  Brave man.

[Chuck Berry]

9 minutes ago, AndrewB said:

No Beni, Chuck?  Brave man.

 

Either him or Devlin, I don't think we need both.

[rmreido]

Lose this and we're well in the 💩 if we're not already..... what a horrible season this has been, absolutely shocking!!!

Can't wait until it's over.

[south morocco]

Wonder if Barrie Mckay will feature? Not saying he should. However, I’d expect changes 

[Uncle Buck]

I’m sure Fox played McKay and Forrest on the wings with Spittal in the 10 when he took charge earlier. Finding it hard to care really. I don’t believe we’ll score.

[jr ewing]

Halkett up front. 

Back 3 no Forrester. 

[Morgan]

0-0

 

 

[Rudi5kaceldream1ng]

I hope the common sense is there in that coaching staff to weed out the players who have downed tools. 

 

Ffs we have the better quality players even if we whittle that down. 

 

Apply some sports psychology here. The players that are leaving don't give a **** and clearly don't care if we get relegated either. 

 

Common sense says do not play them. Dip down into the b team if we have to. 

 

Do not play the players who have downed tools. 

 

Identify those likely to down tools v Ross County and don't play them. 

 

That's the first task for Liam fox. 

[Diadora Van Basten]

I would change all our forward players who started v Dundee.

 

[OmiyaHearts]

Dreading this one tbh. Could end up 2 pts above playoffs.

 

I dont think the team selection matters at all. Everyone as pish as each other.

[Debut 4]

Gordon. 
 

Kent. Halkett McCart Penrice
           Beni.  Hoff

              Kartum

Forrest.   Elton.   Vargas.  
 

It’s horrible trying to pick a team just now but I think we need natural width. Vargas if anything will hound defenders and bring some spark.  Forrest tends to come in and give a couple of decent games after being out for a while then disappear again…maybe the timing is right for him?

 

Was reluctant to pick Kartum but we need some craft if he’s the one that finds himself in a good position.  Elton has been poor recently, but again, for pace and willingness to run I’d leave him in.    Hoff to come in and be more positive link from the centre of the park to our advanced players and also get forward when he can. 
 

We need players willing to run. Run with the ball, run into space with the ball. Not what we saw v Dundee.  Lack of responsibility and nothing passes when the ball could be carried. 

 

 

[theshed]

1 hour ago, south morocco said:

Wonder if Barrie Mckay will feature? Not saying he should. However, I’d expect changes 

Understand what you’re saying but no way is he fit as not kicked a ball in months so no chance he is playing 

[colinmaroon]

7 hours ago, Chuck Berry said:

Gordon

 

Forrester Kent Halkett Penrice

 

Devlin

 

Hoff Kartum Spittal 

 

Kabangu Shanks

 

Let's play two up, Devlin sitting and Kartum, Hoff and Spittal pushing forward in support of the strikers.

 

 

 

Spittal pushing forwards?  Spittal couldn't push through a revolving door.

 

 

[Hømme]

Critchley gone and a huge sense of relief across the club. Players remotivated and Fox will get the best out of them once again.

 

1-0 County.

[mr fox]

2 strikers shanks and kabunga

 

442 

[tartofmidlothian]

3 hours ago, Morgan said:

0-0

 

 

 

Depressingly, that would be a decent result.

[Rudi5kaceldream1ng]

10 minutes ago, tartofmidlothian said:

 

Depressingly, that would be a decent result.

Any point will do at the moment. 

[Morgan]

10 minutes ago, tartofmidlothian said:

 

Depressingly, that would be a decent result.

It certainly would almost do us.  

[Morgan]

2 hours ago, Hømme said:

Critchley gone and a huge sense of relief across the club. Players remotivated and Fox will get the best out of them once again.

 

1-0 County.

[neilnunb]

Dhanda should be nowhere near a starting line up, especially away from home and what is likely to be a battle. 🤦‍♂️

[Thomaso]

11 hours ago, lost in space said:

Found it very difficult to come up with a team for this. Maybe a 4-1-3-2

Gordon

Kingsley Kent McCart Penrice

Beni

Devlin Dhanda Hoff

Shankland Vargas

 

Subs - Fulton, Steinwinder, Halkett, Grant, Musa, Kabangu, Wilson (if available).

 

Devlin has to get forward. I would not even have Kartum or Spttal or Forester or Forrest on the bench.

 

Kartim and Spittal were absolutely horrendous on Saturday! Could not believe Critchley didn’t sub them at halftime - or maybe I could! 😏

[Thomaso]

2 hours ago, colinmaroon said:

 

Spittal pushing forwards?  Spittal couldn't push through a revolving door.

 

 

This! Looks totally unfit  and runs like he is towing a caravan! 

[Hectormasson]

27 minutes ago, neilnunb said:

Dhanda should be nowhere near a starting line up, especially away from home and what is likely to be a battle. 🤦‍♂️

totally this...

[Graham Thomson]

1 hour ago, mr fox said:

2 strikers shanks and kabunga

 

442 

Yip 👍 it never was rocket science NC over complicated a simple game.

[Geoff Kilpatrick]

1-1

 

Kent

[Ulysses]

1 minute ago, Geoff Kilpatrick said:

1-1

 

Kent

 

Right now I'd take the hand off you if you offered me that result. 

 

[Captain Canada]

It's getting harder every week to pick a team I think could win. Anyway, here goes: 

 

Gordon 

Neilson Kent McCart Kingsley 

Vargas Beni Hoff Penrice 

Wilson Kabangu 

 

Bench: Fulton, Steinwender, Halkett, Dhanda, Grant, Devlin, Musa, Spittal and Kartum. 

 

You'd be as well just generating a team randomly and hoping for the best! 

[GBJambo]

2 nil Ross county . 

[King prawn]

Asked Chatgpt who we should start  

 

To maximise their chances of victory against Ross County this weekend, Hearts should field a starting XI that balances current form, fitness, and tactical cohesion. Given recent injuries and player availability, here's a recommended lineup:

🧤 Goalkeeper

• Craig Gordon – The veteran remains a reliable presence between the posts and is expected to start. Edinburgh News

🛡️ Defence

• Right-Back: Gerald Taylor – Returning to the lineup, Taylor offers defensive solidity on the right flank.

• Centre-Backs: Michael Steinwender and Lewis Neilson – Both have impressed recently and should continue their partnership at the heart of defence.

• Left-Back: Alex Cochrane – Provides balance and width on the left side of defence.

🧠 Midfield

• Central Midfielders: Peter Haring and Sander Kartum – Haring offers experience and defensive cover, while Kartum, fresh off a brace in the Scottish Cup, adds attacking impetus.

• Right Wing-Back: Nathaniel Atkinson – Brings energy and width to the right flank.

• Left Wing-Back: Alex Cochrane – As noted, his versatility allows him to contribute both defensively and offensively.

⚡ Attack

• Right Wing: Josh Ginnelly – His pace and directness can trouble the Ross County defence.

• Left Wing: Barrie McKay – A creative force, McKay has been instrumental with assists this season.

• Striker: Liam Boyce – Offers a goal threat and can link play effectively.

[Horatio Caine]

27 minutes ago, King prawn said:

Asked Chatgpt who we should start  

 

To maximise their chances of victory against Ross County this weekend, Hearts should field a starting XI that balances current form, fitness, and tactical cohesion. Given recent injuries and player availability, here's a recommended lineup:

🧤 Goalkeeper

• Craig Gordon – The veteran remains a reliable presence between the posts and is expected to start. Edinburgh News

🛡️ Defence

• Right-Back: Gerald Taylor – Returning to the lineup, Taylor offers defensive solidity on the right flank.

• Centre-Backs: Michael Steinwender and Lewis Neilson – Both have impressed recently and should continue their partnership at the heart of defence.

• Left-Back: Alex Cochrane – Provides balance and width on the left side of defence.

🧠 Midfield

• Central Midfielders: Peter Haring and Sander Kartum – Haring offers experience and defensive cover, while Kartum, fresh off a brace in the Scottish Cup, adds attacking impetus.

• Right Wing-Back: Nathaniel Atkinson – Brings energy and width to the right flank.

• Left Wing-Back: Alex Cochrane – As noted, his versatility allows him to contribute both defensively and offensively.

⚡ Attack

• Right Wing: Josh Ginnelly – His pace and directness can trouble the Ross County defence.

• Left Wing: Barrie McKay – A creative force, McKay has been instrumental with assists this season.

• Striker: Liam Boyce – Offers a goal threat and can link play effectively.

Well that was helpful

[19/05/2012]

Gordon

Kingsley Steinwender McCart Milne

Vargas Beni Devlin Penrice

Shankland Kabangu

 

[Jambojock9]

                             Fulton

Steinwender    Kent   McCart    Milne

 

Forrest      Beni      Devlin    Penrice

 

     Shankland       Kabangu

[Hømme]

1 hour ago, King prawn said:

Asked Chatgpt who we should start  

 

To maximise their chances of victory against Ross County this weekend, Hearts should field a starting XI that balances current form, fitness, and tactical cohesion. Given recent injuries and player availability, here's a recommended lineup:

🧤 Goalkeeper

• Craig Gordon – The veteran remains a reliable presence between the posts and is expected to start. Edinburgh News

🛡️ Defence

• Right-Back: Gerald Taylor – Returning to the lineup, Taylor offers defensive solidity on the right flank.

• Centre-Backs: Michael Steinwender and Lewis Neilson – Both have impressed recently and should continue their partnership at the heart of defence.

• Left-Back: Alex Cochrane – Provides balance and width on the left side of defence.

🧠 Midfield

• Central Midfielders: Peter Haring and Sander Kartum – Haring offers experience and defensive cover, while Kartum, fresh off a brace in the Scottish Cup, adds attacking impetus.

• Right Wing-Back: Nathaniel Atkinson – Brings energy and width to the right flank.

• Left Wing-Back: Alex Cochrane – As noted, his versatility allows him to contribute both defensively and offensively.

⚡ Attack

• Right Wing: Josh Ginnelly – His pace and directness can trouble the Ross County defence.

• Left Wing: Barrie McKay – A creative force, McKay has been instrumental with assists this season.

• Striker: Liam Boyce – Offers a goal threat and can link play effectively.

 

Love the fact it come up with the above and still ignores Shankland

 

Gordon

 

Cochrane Steinwender Neilson Taylor

 

Cochrane Haring Kartum Atkinson

 

McKay Boyce Ginelly

[Hømme]

If this is moronic then tell me - Forrest at RB?

[Rudy T]

As embarrassing as this is the smart play here is for us to park the bus 5-4-1 and play how everyone else does against us and hit on the counter. A draw is a far more valuable point to us than them. Can’t believe it’s come to this!!

[Firefox]

19 hours ago, Chuck Berry said:

 

Either him or Devlin, I don't think we need both.

If it's a choice between Beni and Cammy it has to be Beni. much as I love Cammy, Beni is every bit as good at winning the ball, but his retention is far superior and he's more likely to play a telling forward pass.

[Batistuta9]

 

Honestly at the stage where I'd be quite happy to see this

 

 

One way or another that team should be hammering Ross County. 

 

Edited April 28, 2025 by Batistuta87

[Dido of Consequence]

Play the same team we played in the 6-0 Dens game

 

Steiny for Neilson and Kingsley for Forrester. Hoff for devlin

 

In other words, not that same team lol

Edited April 28, 2025 by Hansel

[BigStein]

Picking purely on mentality

 

[HmfcLions]

Why are people seriously suggesting McKay 😂 he the ultimate arsehole at our club right now, even more so than Shankland. Plus there’s no way he’d get himself off the golf course at weekend to inconvenience himself playing for Hearts anymore 

[indianajones]

12 minutes ago, HmfcLions said:

Why are people seriously suggesting McKay 😂 he the ultimate arsehole at our club right now, even more so than Shankland. Plus there’s no way he’d get himself off the golf course at weekend to inconvenience himself playing for Hearts anymore 

 

Exactly. He's been a waster for three years now. A shitebag. 

[Batistuta9]

18 minutes ago, HmfcLions said:

Why are people seriously suggesting McKay 😂 he the ultimate arsehole at our club right now, even more so than Shankland. Plus there’s no way he’d get himself off the golf course at weekend to inconvenience himself playing for Hearts anymore 

 

In the spirit of trying something different - because nothing we've seen this season has worked. I have absolutely zero faith in anything Critchley has done all season, including the complete alienation of all the players he's just cast aside and ignored. Absolutely nothing to lose by sticking him on on Saturday. If he's pish he comes off at HT. He's been immense in a number of bounce games recently to the point where NC seemed to be a wee bit embarrassed about it when he mentioned him a couple of weeks ago. I don't think his man-management style suits him either and that he's probably quite cold towards the players. Robbie Neilson told everyone how to manage Barrie McKay about 3 years ago and nobody has really got a tune out of him since. Fox has been around long enough that he should know how to get him going. 

 

TLDNR: Can't be any worse than the shite we've seen from Critchley's team selection and man-management. 

 

Edited April 28, 2025 by Batistuta87