Heart of Midlothian return to league action on Sunday afternoon against Motherwell as they go in search of their first win of the season. 

Last season's first trip to Fir Park proved to be a crucial one. Hearts entered the game under pressure after a slow and inconsistent start to the campaign but came away with a 2-1 win that was far more comfortable than the scoreline suggested.

For Hearts to win, however, they will need to score, something they have not done in three of their four matches so far.

Due to the nature of the match, falling between the first and second legs of the Europa League play-off tie with Viktoria Plzen, Steven Naismith's team selection will provoke plenty of intrigue.

Joel Sked

(Image: BeFunky)

It is hard to see past changes to both shape and personnel. While there was plenty of logic behind the switch to a back three in Plzen, the back four looks more natural for the trip to North Lanarkshire.

It is the first experience this season of the Thursday-Sunday demand. And demand there is. Hearts need a win for a few reasons. Firstly, to ensure Aberdeen, who are viewed as key rivals for third spot, are not opening up a big gap early on in the campaign. Secondly, to gain a bit of winning confidence and momentum going into Thursday's match at Tynecastle. Thirdly, perception. The longer the winless run goes on, the more supporters get antsy and start asking questions.

The Motherwell game is more important than Viktoria Plzen at home. The latter takes care of itself. For that reason, I reckon Frankie Kent will remain in the centre of the defence. He fought through the match in Czechia and at another time would likely be rested. Behind him is likely going to be Craig Gordon and in front of him Malachi Boateng who provides an excellent platform at the base of the midfield. Further ahead Lawrence Shankland. It gives Hearts a spine.

The changes will be made around them. Andres Salazar may be handed his debut at left-back and Daniel Oyegoke given a chance to get over his Thursday evening by starting at right-back. Kye Rowles making up the back four to provide pace with Stephen Kingsley kept in storage for Thursday.

Cammy Devlin's energy may be kept in mind for Thursday so Jorge Grant could partner Boateng in the middle of the park.

There will be changes in the final third and it perhaps shows the requirement for another striker. Kenneth Vargas has been running himself into the ground so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him from the bench. An attacking three of Yan Dhanda, Blair Spittal and Alan Forrest provide energy and craft. It would allow Spittal and Dhanda to dovetail in their best position behind the striker.

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Craig Cairns

(Image: BeFunky)

The biggest decision will be whether Hearts keep the back three system that worked so well in Plzen or revert to the back four used versus Falkirk and Rangers. Who plays where and what changes are made will follow from that decision.

Pressure is on the Jambos to properly kick-start their domestic campaign after no wins in three back home, though confidence can be drawn after going toe-to-toe with European regulars Victoria Plzen away from home – a side unbeaten so far this season and with a decent home record to boot.
Sunday’s opponents Motherwell started the last two matches with a lone striker, including for their recent League Cup win over Kilmarnock and this could prompt Steven Naismith to drop one of his back three in favour of an extra attacker.

Constantly switching between a back three and a back four has its drawbacks – and its detractors among the Gorgie faithful – but, as pointed out by Fankie Kent in the aftermath of the Dundee defeat, Hearts did so successfully last season.

"We would play really well one week in a [back] four, then change to a three and play well again and get another good result. We would win games doing it. I think we changed a lot last season and that was probably a big strength of ours,” said Kent following the 3-1 loss at Dens Park.

Assuming Zander Clark is unavailable, Craig Gordon will continue between the sticks and Gerald Taylor and James Penrice seem to have the full/wing-back positions nailed down. Frankie Kent could be rested given he missed the League Cup last-16 te through injury and after admitting to “blowing a little bit” on Thursday night.

With a back four, Malachai Boateng will be required to continue his screening role in front of the defence given there is no available replacement. Cammy Devlin could be another who is kept fresh for the Europa League return leg, opening the door for Blair Spittal to start against his former club.

The change in shape would allow Yan Dhanda to play in a more natural central position, just off Lawrence Shankland and would give a nice balance to the midfield three. It means the likes of Alan Forrest and Barrie McKay could come in to play in the wide positions, with the aim of getting in behind the Motherwell wingbacks and pulling their wide centre-backs into uncomfortable territory.

Ideally, the pacey Kenneth Vargas would be deployed on one of the wings, but after running himself into the ground on Thursday night, the Costa Rican is another who will likely be rested and kept fresh for Plzen.

Whatever the line-up Naismith and his coaching staff decide, there will be niggles and tiredness from how much was put into the previous game – so expect a few changes and the substitutes to be used to give other regular starters some respite.

Regardless of the importance of Sunday, the Hearts boss will have an eye on Thursday and the best team that can record a historic result in front of a packed Tynecastle.