MATCH PREVIEW: Forfar Athletic v Heart of Midlothian

Hearts make their first visit to Station Park in thirty three years on Tuesday night for a second round tie in the Scottish League Cup as leaders of the Ladbrokes Premiership, having won all five matches to date.

These five victories following their runaway success in the Championship last term have come against St. Johnstone, Dundee, Motherwell, Ross County and Partick Thistle whom they defeated 3-0 at a packed Tynecastle on Saturday past.

They also recorded a 4-2 win over Arbroath in the first round of the League Cup competition back in late July.

Their head coach Robbie Neilson has stated to the media earlier today that he will certainly utilise some squad rotation in his starting line-up for the cup-tie, but it is still expected to be a very strong visiting eleven, no doubt firing on all cylinders who will oppose the Ladbrokes League 1 leaders.

Sadly home manager Dick Campbell will also be forced it appears into changes from the side that began Saturday’s impressive 4-1 home win over Stenhousemuir.

Skipper Gavin Swankie and defenders Mark Baxter and Tom O’Brien all had to be replaced before the half-time whistle against the ‘Warriors’ and all three are struggling to recover for the big game.

Chris Templeman, Michael Travis and Michael Dunlop who replaced the trio on Saturday would in all probability be in the starting line-up if all fail to respond to treatment.

One plus for the home management team is the news that on loan ‘Hibee’ Lewis Allan can play despite being listed as a sub by the Easter Road club in their first round tie with Montrose.
The fact that he did not enter the contest from the bench, means that under new rules instigated in all three major domestic cup competitions this season, he was not cup tied.

Youngster Kerr Hay who has made such an impression in the recent games against Albion Rovers and the ‘Warriors’ could retain his starting berth.

The ‘Loons’ have made a great start to their league and cup campaigns, despite the disappointing end to last season and the squad will without doubt be all out to create the right impression in Tuesday’s night’s high profile fixture.

A crowd perhaps just short of the 2,000 mark is anticipated, so again fans of both sides are urged to come along early to avoid last minute congestion at the turnstiles.