Hearts will look to put their domestic woes behind them when they take on Dinamo Minsk in Belarus on matchday one of the Conference League on Thursday.
A dismal start to the campaign saw the Jambos lose each of their first eight games in all competitions, a dreadful run of form which cost Steven Naismith his job. B team boss Liam Fox has stepped up to take charge of the side while Tynecastle chiefs assess their options, and did manage to end their slump last Saturday as a last minute goal from skipper Lawrence Shankland rescued a point at home to Ross County.
Jambos fans will perhaps be hoping that their team will fare better on the continent, and their first of six matches in the revamped Conference League group stage comes against Belarusian league champions Minsk at the Dinamo Stadium. With no supporters allowed into the stadium by UEFA as a result of Belarus’ role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is sure to be a strange atmosphere for both sides to contend with. But is that something Hearts can use to their advantage? Here is how the Record Sport team think they will get on.
Fraser Wilson
It’s going to be an eerie atmosphere in the empty Sumgayit City Stadium but that could help Hearts finally get a first win of the season under their belt at the 11th attempt. Minsk are flying high domestically but their results in Europe so far suggest they’re nothing to be feared. It’ll be tight but if Hearts can find their groove they can get the win that might just kickstart their season.
Dinamo Minsk 0 Hearts 1
Keith Jackson
There is little or no reason to believe managerless Hearts will suddenly get their season up and running against Minsk. But, even though it’s been a dismal start to the season, the sight of Lawrence Shankland getting on the scoresheet the weekend offer a chink of light. If the skipper can fire them to a point on the road in Europe it could provide a turning point. It’s a long shot but fingers crossed.
Minsk 1 Hearts 1
Ross Pilcher
There’s plenty of the unknown about Dinamo Minsk and this game for Hearts. The facial situation of having to play in Azerbaijan because Belarus is a bit too cosy with Russia and no fans will make it a soulless experience. But after stopping the rot with a last gasp point at home to Ross County, playing away from prying eyes might actually help Liam Fox’s men start building some momentum.
Dinamo Minsk 1 Hearts 2
Craig Swan
Hearts are struggling for form and this is going to be a completely different test against Dinamo Minsk. However, playing on neutral soil should be a help to them in terms of negating a home advantage and the Capital club can find their form.
Dinamo Minsk 1 Hearts 1
Andy Newport
The Belarussians have only been defeated once in domestic action all year but stepping up into Europe is another task entirely, with Dinamo losing four of their eight qualifying ties so far. But Hearts are still a long way off top form and a score draw might be a decent starting point as Gorgie men look to feel their way into the new league phase.
Dinamo Minsk 1 Hearts 1
Anthony Evans
If there was ever a game to kickstart the Jambos season, then this is it. Managerless Hearts look severely low on confidence and are still looking for their first win of the campaign at the 11th attempt, but could finally get up and running with a big three points in the Conference League. Minsk are currently in the middle of a title race in Belarus so may have to prioritise by rotating their squad.
Dinamo Minsk 0 Hearts 1