This afternoon's Scottish Premiership encounter with Dundee United is a big one for Heart of Midlothian.

Fail to pick up three points and not only will it mean a failure to win any of the opening seven games but the disgruntlement amongst the club's passionate support will likely hit a crescendo going into an international break. 

Hearts require a fast start, more than ever, to get the crowd on their side. Steven Naismith's starting XI may well set the tone for that. Going with a back four and getting more attacking players in the line-up will help with that.

It therefore makes sense to start with the attack. Kenneth Vargas has frustrated in front of goal but is a constant menace with his pace and work rate. It was clear to see on Thursday against Viktoria Plzen how the crowd reacted positively to that. With James Wilson playing for Hearts B on Saturday, the feeling is Lawrence Shankland may well be fit to start. And what a significant boost that will be for the team.

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On the flanks, Yutaro Oda can stretch the game with his pace and energy. But it is imperative he is positive with the ball, willing to take the full-back on and make himself a nuisance rather than playing safe and turning back with the ball. On the other side, Yan Dhanda can play from the left but move centrally, opening up space for Andres Salazar to attack from left-back.

Malachi Boateng and Jorge Grant were two of the more positive performers on Thursday night. The shape of the midfield could change with Boateng's presence, allowing Grant to move into an attacking central role at times.

As for the defence, it is a choice between Stephen Kingsley and Kye Rowles to partner Frankie Kent. Salazar on the left and Gerald Taylor on the right where it is hoped he will be more comfortable driving forward. That quartet in front of Craig Gordon.