Neil Critchley said it all when he described his current routine since becoming the Heart of Midlothian head coach earlier this month.

"At this moment in time, game after game after game, I'm basically living training ground, hotel, training ground, hotel," he explained ahead of Wednesday night's clash with Kilmarnock.

There has been little chance of a breather with such a schedule and it will continue until the Rangers game on November 10 which then gives way to an international break.

Changes will continue to be made to the starting XI. Of the three games so far under Critchley, seven players have started every game. Craig Gordon, Frankie Kent, Kye Rowles, Malachi Boateng, Blair Spittal, and the front pairing of Kenneth Vargas and Lawrence Shankland.

The first three of those seven will likely continue their spot in the line-up. Adam Forrester is a contender to replace Daniel Oyegoke as they share the right-back position. Stephen Kingsley replaced James Penrice for the Omonia Nicosia game but on reflection that was due to a tactical tweak.

Hearts are more likely to set up similar to how they did against St Mirren when Killie come to town. 

There is a big question in midfield. Comments from Critchley on Tuesday suggest Beni Baningime wouldn't be ready to start the game after missing the last two games with illness.

There are some options to mix it up if Critchley wants to change either Boateng, one of the seven, or Cammy Devlin. Macaulay Tait is a natural replacement while Blair Spittal and Jorge Grant can play in a deeper role but not ideal for either.

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Moving Spittal deeper would open up a space for Alan Forrest. The winger was probably more suited to the Hibs game than this evening's fixture. The inverse is true for Yan Dhanda. However, Spittal has thrived since being moved away from a deeper position.

If Forrester and James Wilson were to start, Tait's inclusion would be a big call. He should, at least, be on the bench.

Another big decision will be around freshening up the attack. Both Shankland and Vargas were far from their best against Hibs. Liam Boyce and Wilson are natural replacements, in terms of the positions they take up for both, but Critchley would unlikely want to change both or make too many changes in general.

Wilson is certainly in contention following two goals in his last two outings but Critchley stressed that he wouldn't be rushed and not too much pressure put on him. However, you can't look past his contribution and how Vargas has struggled for consistency.

(Image: BeFunky)