Tactics

Analysis

Hearts should have won at Aberdeen but somehow lost.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Biggest frustration, encouragement and 18 minutes that highlight Hearts concern

Hearts will need to be better in both boxes next week but there were positives from the first half of the first leg.

Hearts will need to be better in both boxes next week but there were positives from the first half of the first leg.

Heart of Midlothian FC

I rewatched Hearts loss at Sturm Graz - is there something in 'not over' assessment?

Hearts face Sturm Graz on Tuesday.

Hearts face Sturm Graz on Tuesday.

Heart of Midlothian FC

The lowdown on Sturm Graz: Height advantage, star man, areas for Hearts to target

Wouter Vrancken used a 4-2-3-1 against St Mirren

Wouter Vrancken used a 4-2-3-1 against St Mirren

Heart of Midlothian FC

On the early evidence, how could Hearts line up for their first competitive fixture?

Tom Renaud is best described as a ball-playing defensive midfielder

Tom Renaud is best described as a ball-playing defensive midfielder

Heart of Midlothian FC

Tom Renaud lowdown: How he compares to Hearts midfield and 'explosive' traits

Hearts could have a different identity under Wouter Vrancken

Hearts could have a different identity under Wouter Vrancken

Heart of Midlothian FC

How Wouter Vrancken's tactical identity is suited to Hearts and the squad built

Malachi Fagan-Walcott became Heart of Midlothian's latest recruit.

Malachi Fagan-Walcott became Heart of Midlothian's latest recruit.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Malachi Fagan-Walcott lowdown: Why Hearts new centre-back is a rare addition

Amadou Ba-Sy is the fourth arrival this summer.

Amadou Ba-Sy is the fourth arrival this summer.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Amadou Ba-Sy scouting report: Why he'll provide Hearts with different dimension

Derek McInnes and Ross Grant have had success from set plays

Derek McInnes and Ross Grant have had success from set plays

Heart of Midlothian FC

Preparation, player data and the 275% rise: Behind Hearts' improvement from corners

Cammy Devlin was excellent for Hearts this past season.

Cammy Devlin was excellent for Hearts this past season.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Inside Cammy Devlin's best season, McInnes message and the Hearts extension desire

Calvin Miller is a summer transfer target for Hearts

Calvin Miller is a summer transfer target for Hearts

Heart of Midlothian FC

Why are Hearts targeting Calvin Miller and where does he fit into their system?

It is unlikely Hearts will get a like-for-like replacement

It is unlikely Hearts will get a like-for-like replacement

Heart of Midlothian FC

Could Hearts target any of these 5 strikers to replace Lawrence Shankland

MJ Kamson-Kamara is the second Hearts signing this summer.

MJ Kamson-Kamara is the second Hearts signing this summer.

Heart of Midlothian FC

MJ Kamson-Kamara lowdown: How he compares to Hearts centre-backs and standout quality

Hearts are set for a busy summer transfer window.

Hearts are set for a busy summer transfer window.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Hearts squad analysis as 39 players under the microscope ahead of busy summer

Hearts line-up in a different way than they had previously

Hearts line-up in a different way than they had previously

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

How Hearts used new shape to press Motherwell and Derek McInnes' midfield dilemma

Jens Berthel Askou and Derek McInnes

Jens Berthel Askou and Derek McInnes

Heart of Midlothian FC

How previous meetings will affect Hearts approach to Motherwell and our predicted XI

Hearts took another huge step toward league glory.

Hearts took another huge step toward league glory.

Heart of Midlothian FC

The Hearts star who epitomised turnaround v Rangers and key McInnes decisions

Derek McInnes has a huge team selection ahead of him

Derek McInnes has a huge team selection ahead of him

Heart of Midlothian FC

How Hearts boss could approach massive Rangers clash the Stephen Kingsley question

Derek McInnes introduced Sabah Kerjota at half-time

Derek McInnes introduced Sabah Kerjota at half-time

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

Why Derek McInnes identified two Hearts stars as Edinburgh derby match-winners

Derek McInnes may be influenced by the last game at Easter Road

Derek McInnes may be influenced by the last game at Easter Road

Heart of Midlothian FC

Will the Hearts approach to Edinburgh derby be influenced by December defeat

Sabah Kerjota and Alexandros Kyziridis

Sabah Kerjota and Alexandros Kyziridis

Heart of Midlothian FC

Sabah Kerjota's Hearts role and his chances of starting in the derby explored

Derek McInnes has three very good central midfield options.

Derek McInnes has three very good central midfield options.

Heart of Midlothian FC

The Hearts midfield question and where Marc Leonard fits with go-to partnership

Rogers Mato has made a few substitute appearances

Rogers Mato has made a few substitute appearances

Heart of Midlothian FC

After all the 'noise' around Hearts move, why haven't we seen more of Rogers Mato?

All three of Derek McInnes' strikers found the net

All three of Derek McInnes' strikers found the net

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

Hearts formation changes explained and why they didn't press the goalkeeper

Shankland is key to Hearts success in the title run-in.

Shankland is key to Hearts success in the title run-in.

Heart of Midlothian FC

The hugely encouraging Lawrence Shankland Hearts factor and title rival's mistake

Hearts were left disappointed despite retaking top spot.

Hearts were left disappointed despite retaking top spot.

Heart of Midlothian FC

The bizarre Hearts feeling, stat that highlights lack of response and two positives

Will Derek McInnes continue with the shape from last weekend?

Will Derek McInnes continue with the shape from last weekend?

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

Is this how Derek McInnes will line up Hearts for Scottish Premiership run-in?

Derek McInnes reintroduced Lawrence Shankland on Saturday

Derek McInnes reintroduced Lawrence Shankland on Saturday

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

The impact of Lawrence Shankland's Hearts return and and importance for title run-in

Hearts are now scoring fewer goals from set plays

Hearts are now scoring fewer goals from set plays

Heart of Midlothian FC

The reasons behind Hearts set-piece downturn explored and McInnes 'difference' view

Derek McInnes and Claudio Braga

Derek McInnes and Claudio Braga

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

Where it went wrong for Hearts and the star who played himself into contention

Blair Spittal has been an impressive performer in recent weeks.

Blair Spittal has been an impressive performer in recent weeks.

Heart of Midlothian FC

The under-appreciated Hearts star? McInnes trust, dressing room presence, key quality

Marc Leonard has been an important addition to the Hearts midfield.

Marc Leonard has been an important addition to the Hearts midfield.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Marc Leonard's Hearts impact: Glowing reference, replacing duo, best January transfer

Hearts took a big step forward with a win over Aberdeen.

Hearts took a big step forward with a win over Aberdeen.

Heart of Midlothian FC

How Hearts gave the fans what they wanted with performance in win over Aberdeen

Michael Steinwender has been preferred to Jordi Altena and Christian Borchgrevink

Michael Steinwender has been preferred to Jordi Altena and Christian Borchgrevink

Heart of Midlothian FC

Why Derek McInnes has been playing Michael Steinwender at right-back for Hearts

Derek McInnes said Hearts got the benefit of playing with two wingers

Derek McInnes said Hearts got the benefit of playing with two wingers

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

How Derek McInnes used man-marking and a dangerous front 3 in win over Falkirk

Hearts lost to Rangers after leading twice at Ibrox.

Hearts lost to Rangers after leading twice at Ibrox.

Heart of Midlothian FC

The four Hearts frustrations and two key in-game moments from Rangers defeat

Hary Milne is a near-ever-present in Derek McInnes' side

Hary Milne is a near-ever-present in Derek McInnes' side

Heart of Midlothian FC

Why Harry Milne is a strong contender to be the Hearts player of the year

Derek McInnes made tweaks to get the three points

Derek McInnes made tweaks to get the three points

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

How Hearts won the Edinburgh derby: Proper 4-4-2, second-half tweaks and subs

Hearts take on Hibs for the third time this season.

Hearts take on Hibs for the third time this season.

Heart of Midlothian FC

What Hearts expect from Hibs, the complete contrast and derby 'cup final'

Hearts fell to their third defeat of the season on Tuesday night.

Hearts fell to their third defeat of the season on Tuesday night.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Where it went wrong for Hearts and the 29 costly minutes against St Mirren

Hearts striker Landry Kabore

Hearts striker Landry Kabore

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

Leading line, chaos, goals: How Landry Kabore became Hearts latest match-winner

Derek McInnes' side has been tested in recent weeks

Derek McInnes' side has been tested in recent weeks

Heart of Midlothian FC

Hearts continue to pass tough tests after recalibrating season expectations

Rogers Mato completed his move to Hearts on Thursday.

Rogers Mato completed his move to Hearts on Thursday.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Rogers Mato scout report: Electric pace, elite finishing and the inside view

Claudio Braga scored his 13th goal of the season at the weekend

Claudio Braga scored his 13th goal of the season at the weekend

Heart of Midlothian FC

How Claudio Braga stepped up in Lawrence Shankland's absence to lead Hearts attack

Hearts were the better team in the draw with Celtic.

Hearts were the better team in the draw with Celtic.

Heart of Midlothian FC

How Hearts 'rattled' Celtic, Harry Milne's role and the team's biggest quality

Marc Leonard could play a big role for Hearts between now and the end of the season.

Marc Leonard could play a big role for Hearts between now and the end of the season.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Marc Leonard scout report: Statement signing, best role and Cammy Devlin comparison

Derek McInnes has led Hearts to the top of the Premiership

Derek McInnes has led Hearts to the top of the Premiership

Heart of Midlothian FC

Why Hearts are where they deserve to be – top of the league and above the Old Firm

Can Landry Kabore step up in the absence of Lawrence Shankland.

Can Landry Kabore step up in the absence of Lawrence Shankland.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Lawrence Shankland, Hearts striker question and player with a big opportunity

Cammy Devlin will be a big miss for Hearts.

Cammy Devlin will be a big miss for Hearts.

Heart of Midlothian FC

How do Hearts replace Cammy Devlin: Transfer move, in-house options, Tait suggestion

Derek McInnes' side won with 10 men again

Derek McInnes' side won with 10 men again

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

How Hearts won again with 10 men – Different shape, expectation, Milne return

Derek McInnes' side came through adversity at Dundee

Derek McInnes' side came through adversity at Dundee

Tactical analysis

Heart of Midlothian FC

Hearts' game plan explained: Derek McInnes' smart subs and defend at all costs

Islam Chesnokov had a very successful season with Tobol Kostanay last season.

Islam Chesnokov had a very successful season with Tobol Kostanay last season.

Heart of Midlothian FC

What Hearts can learn from Islam Chesnokov's 2025 season: Shots, creation, stats

Islam Chesnokov will add a different dimension to the Hearts attack.

Islam Chesnokov will add a different dimension to the Hearts attack.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Islam Chesnokov scout report: What winger will bring to Hearts & impressive skill

Hearts have been top for the last 100 days.

Hearts have been top for the last 100 days.

Heart of Midlothian FC

Hearts, 101 days at the top of the Premiership and why fans have a vital role to play