How difficult is it for Derek McInnes to pick his Heart of Midlothian XI?
All fans will have put themselves in the Hearts head coach's shoes ahead of games and tried to pick their XI. Some will be completely sold on an XI, others will have flipped between different shapes and different personnel.
In the view of this writer, that is most certainly the case as Hearts head to Ibrox for their latest ‘biggest game of the season’ on Sunday afternoon for a top-of-the-table clash with Rangers.
There is a plethora of options in midfield and then how you construct them, taking into account the attacking options, specifically those out wide. And then, is there an argument for a back three with Jordi Altena and Harry Milne as wing-backs?
Before we consider that, how is McInnes feeling picking a Hearts XI on a weekly basis with an abundance of options in certain areas of the pitch and is it becoming harder?
Hearts Standard asked the Hearts head coach that at Friday’s press conference. McInnes provided insight into how he goes about picking the team, admitting there is a “good problem” with the options.
“I think you look at every game and you look at training. Obviously, I've got the benefit of seeing the lads in training all the time. I think it's important that you look at every opponent as well, but still try and play to your own strengths," he explained.
“I want us to be competitive. I don't like the games being too open. I don't like giving up too many chances. So, we normally work from the back and then forward and we see where we're going. We look at the threats of the opponents.
"Fortunately, we've got some good players. Halks goes out, Frankie [Kent] comes in. We've got options at full-back. Not so much at left-back, although Jamie McCart's come in and helped us on that side of late.
"We're probably the strongest at the minute in the middle of the park. We're starting to get a bit more strength in there. Beni [Baningime] is free from suspension. The Marc Leonard signing, [Tomas] Magnusson, [Oisin] McEntee, all guys that can give us something. Blair Spittal. So, we've got good options in the middle of the pitch.
"I think every game is different. Between myself, Alan [Archibald] and Paul [Sheerin], we always try and find the best team that we can to get the results. It's our job to try and do that.
"But again, it's not always easy. Sometimes, as a manager, when you're picking teams, I've been there before when you're picking a team and going, I'm not sure that's going to win. Whereas this one, this time around, I feel as though whatever team we pick, we feel it can win.
"I think it's a good problem to have. But it can be a problem, aye.”
Now, the XI to face Rangers.
Does a switch to a back three come into McInnes’ thoughts?
It would allow him three or four midfielders into the team, plus well as width from Milne and Altena. With Halkett returning, there is a good choice of centre-backs as well.
The XI below gives the team solidity, presence and McInnes with plenty of trust.
However, the concern may be that it could become too much of a back five, inviting pressure and having a lack of pace and attacking threat up the pitch to push Rangers back, or at least make them question their positioning.
The last time Hearts went to Ibrox, they lined up in a 4-4-2. It was the game where Milne was a surprise starter on the right. It is also McInnes’ preferred setup.
Therefore, he could run it back and pick the same XI that started the Edinburgh derby, but with Craig Halkett replacing Frankie Kent after returning from suspension.
However, a variation of 4-3-3 may provide the best balance between ensuring the game isn’t too open and having a consistent attacking threat in the final third. Rangers can be exploited by pace.
Michael Steinwender could come in at right-back and be tasked with dealing with the tricky and quick Mikey Moore. That means a big decision in midfield. In games such as these, McInnes really likes Oisin McEntee. He could do a similar role to what he did in the win at Celtic Park.
That in turn could mean one of Marc Leonard or Beni Baningime dropping out if Tomas Magnusson is added to the starting XI. The Icelandic could act as a No.10 behind Claudio Braga or as a No.8 like McEntee with Baningime or Leonard at the base of the midfield.
In terms of Baningime or Leonard, that would be a decision between the former’s experience and calmness and the latter’s all-round qualities. There is also Ageu to consider with the Brazilian getting up to speed following injuries.
As for the front three. Braga can lead the line centrally, flanked by Alexandros Kyziridis and Islam Chesnokov. They offer a threat going forward and plenty of work rate.
It allows the likes of Landry Kabore, Rogers Mato and Sabah Kerjota to offer attacking options and pace off the bench.
