Hearts travel to Turkey to face Trabzonspor in the UEFA Conference League, looking to record their first victory in the competition after a heavy defeat at the weekend. The Jambos were thrashed 7-1 by Scottish Premiership champions Celtic on Sunday, and now face a Trabzonspor side featuring former Liverpool forward Mo Salah.
Salah joined the Super Lig club in the summer after nine trophy-laden years at Anfield. He was on target in Trabzonspor's 2-0 win over Besiktas on Monday, a result that extended the Turkish side's winning run to four matches.
Record Sport Writers Make Their Calls
Record Sport's Scott Burns believes it is a big ask for Hearts, noting their confidence will have taken a hit after Sunday. He predicts a 3-1 home win, saying anything picked up would be a bonus.
Scott McDermott expects a 4-0 defeat, citing Hearts' defensive fragility and the attacking style of head coach Wouter Vrancken. Keith Jackson describes the trip as a hiding to nothing, predicting 3-1, while Ryan McDonald also fears another mauling and forecasts 4-0.
Hearts Face Tough Test After Celtic Defeat
Mark Pirie predicts 4-0, highlighting the defensive frailties exposed by Benfica and Celtic this season. Ross Pilcher also goes for 3-1, suggesting Vrancken may tone down his approach without abandoning it entirely.
The match represents a chance for Hearts to recover from their Celtic Park trauma, but the writers unanimously expect Trabzonspor to take the points.
