There will be plenty of intrigue among Heart of Midlothian supporters building up to 1.45pm on Saturday afternoon when Neil Critchley's first starting XI is released.

The 45-year-old will oversee his first game as the new Hearts head coach when St Mirren visit Tynecastle Park. He has been working with the majority of players since Tuesday, with others returning from international duty later in the week. But there will be three who miss out.

Critchley has watched all of the team's fixtures this season as part of his preparation around applying, interviewing and ultimately getting the job so he will be well aware of the strengths of the team and the struggles they have encountered, namely giving up cheap goals and struggling to create chances and score.

With assistant Mike Garrity, there are two fresh pairs of eyes casting their view of the Hearts squad while Liam Fox has been on hand to provide his own knowledge and expertise owing to his experience as B team boss and interim head coach.

It is hard, however, to predict many surprises to the starting XI. Certainly initially.

Craig Gordon should continue as No.1, coming into the weekend off the back of his first clean sheet of the season against Portugal for Scotland.

Providing it will be four at the back, which we understand it will, James Penrice has been a solid presence at left-back while Kye Rowles and Frankie Kent have been the best partnership so far this campaign. The big question mark is at right-back. Adam Forrester has handled himself well since stepping up but Daniel Oyegoke put in his best performance v Aberdeen.

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Now, the question is whether it will be a midfield three or a midfield four. Opting for the former off the back of the performance at Pittodrie, expect there to be a blend of craft, ingenuity, and energy. Beni Baningime sitting, Cammy Devlin providing that non-stop running and aggression with Blair Spittal offering the creative spark.

With Lawrence Shankland fit, he should be flanked by Yan Dhanda who has a good relationship with Critchley from their time at Liverpool, and possibly Kenneth Vargas. He is probably another of the question marks due to his international commitments during the week. At the same time he'd come into the game full of confidence - and sporting a shiner under his eye - after his first goal for Costa Rica.

Critchley has spoken about how it is a squad game and fans will likely have to accept rotation, especially with the schedule. And if we can take anything from his first spell at Blackpool he enjoys flexibility with regard to the formation. That XI could turn from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2.

Roll on 1.45pm and then 3pm.

(Image: BeFunky)