It’s been a struggle domestically, but Hearts have shown up well on continental duty this season.
Wins over Dinamo Minsk and Omonia Nicosia got them off to a great start in the Europa Conference League, while a defeat to Heidenheim of the Bundesliga still saw Neil Critchley‘s men put in a good performance. They’ll need another one in Belgium when they take on Cercle Brugge on Thursday night, although the Jambos remain on course to make it through to the knockout rounds, and will be eyeing this one and the upcoming clash with Copenhagen as bonus attempts before finishing their league phase off at home to Petroclub next month.
The hosts are without main man Kevin Denkey up front, who is suspended. However, Hearts could do with Lawrence Shankland rediscovering his scoring touch after a miserable campaign in front of goal so far. Critchley will take confidence from Kilmarnock‘s display against Cercle in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League, when only a 1-0 defeat away from home saw Derek McInnes’ men eliminated.
Here’s how the Record Sport team see things going.
Fraser Wilson
Both sides are struggling domestically but Cercle will have to do without their suspended star man Kevin Denkey on whom they rely so heavily for goals. Hearts’ recent performances are better than their results have suggested and another point will almost guarantee the Jambos a play-off spot.
Cercle Brugge 1 Hearts 1
Michael Gannon
Hearts have shown signs of improvement but they have struggled to maintain performances over 90 minutes. Cercle Brugge are no mugs but they are not elite either. The Jambos can hang tough but whether they can see it out is another matter.
Cercle Brugge 1-0 Hearts
Craig Swan
Cercle Brugge managed to send Kilmarnock out of Europe, but the Belgians were more functional than fantastic against the Ayrshire side and it took a huge defensive mistake to deny the Ayrshire side in the Jan Breydel Stadium. Hearts can get a positive result.
Cercle Brugge 1-1 Hearts
Ross Pilcher
Hearts have saved their best under Neil Critchley for Europe. They’ll need it away in Belgium, although Cercle showed against Kilmarnock they aren’t a side to be feared. Not taking chances has cost the Jambos recently and that will have to change.
Cercle Brugge 1-2 Hearts