Tynecastle is set to host a huge European night this evening as Hearts welcome Zurich in the second leg of the Europa League playoff.
The visitors bring with them a one goal advantage after winning 2-1 in Switzerland last week. But Robbie Neilson 's side are fired up and ready to give it a good go in front of their home support in the capital. The boss insists that a full house in Gorgie can provide his men with the driving force they need.
The Swiss champions will surely bring their A-game to Edinburgh, though, providing a tough contest for the side who have secured their place as the best of the rest in the Scottish game. Zurich have had a shaky start to the season, sitting last in Swiss Super League after no wins in five league clashes. And the home side will be hoping their opponents stick to losing ways, despite their fortune last week, as the Jambos look to secure their spot in the Europa League group stage.
It is certain to be another exciting night of action, but who will reach the group stage? Here is what our writers reckon...
Gordon Parks
The Swiss champions are more than capable of scoring but they’ll find a tight Tynecastle pitch a test of their temperament. Hearts will miss Craig Halkett badly and it could prove decisive.
Hearts 1 Zurich 1
David McCarthy
Tynecastle will be rocking and Robbie Neilson’s players will be galvanised by it. With Barrie McKay playing out of his skin and Lawrence Shankland scoring goals, they’ll have too much for the Swiss. Craig Gordon at the other end is their insurance policy and this could be a glorious night for the Jambos.
Hearts 3 Zurich 1
Michael Gannon
Tynecastle will be rocking and it could spook the Swiss. It’s about time one of our non-Glasgow sides got to the group stage in Europe and this could be it. It won’t be an easy ride though and it might need some extra effort.
Hearts 2 Zurich 1 (AET), Hearts to win on pens.
Craig Swan
It may come down to the last kick at a rocking Tynecastle with very little between the sides on evidence from the first leg. Hearts have weapons and Zurich will also be dangerous on the counter. Penalties may be needed to sort this sort.
Hearts 2 Zurich 1
Andy Newport
The Swiss outfit didn’t look like great shakes and with the power of Tynecastle behind them, the Jambos can surge their way to the Europa League group stage.
Hearts 2 Zurich 1
Ross Pilcher
Hearts have to go for it against FC Zurich. Last week's 2-1 defeat was a decent result, although surrendering two goals so soon after taking the lead was less than ideal. The Swiss champs looked vulnerable themselves though, and a rocking Tynecastle will be a severe test of their mettle
Hearts 3-1 FC Zurich (AET)
Mya Bollan
Ninety-minutes won't be enough to sort this tie out. Hearts have got to go for it, and they will surely come out all guns blazing. The Tynecastle stage will knock the Swiss side off their shaky pedestal in the end though, they didn't look even remotely invincible last week.
Hearts 2 - 0 Zurich (AET)
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