Hearts return to competitive action this weekend as the new Scottish Premiership season kicks off with a trip to Perth for the men from Gorgie.
There will be several big decisions for the coaching staff to make ahead of the fixture like who should start in goals as Craig Gordon continues his recovery from injury and will Liam Boyce be fit in time to feature? Meanwhile, there are plenty of other calls which will likely be more straightforward after several players impressed during pre-season.
Here is our predicted Hearts starting XI for Saturday’s Scottish Premiership opener away to St Johnstone:
1. GK - Zander Clark
The Scotland squad man remains Hearts’ first-choice goalkeeper whilst Craig Gordon works back to full fitness after his double leg-break. Despite the arrival of 39-year-old Michael McGovern, he will remain in goal for now.
2. RB - Nathaniel Atkinson
A new right-back is wanted by the Tynecastle management before the transfer window closes at the end of August. However, Atkinson is likely to keep the position as things stand.
3. LB - Stephen Kingsley
Steady, reliable and versatile, Kingsley has been back in his favoured left-back slot during pre-season. He played much of last term on the left of a three-man defence.
4. CB - Frankie Kent
A new signing from Peterborough United who looked fairly commanding against Leeds United in Sunday’s pre-season friendly. Kent has been brought in to strengthen the back line and let Craig Halkett recover fully from a knee ligament injury.