'Strongest line-up possible' - Hearts fans happy with starting XI to face Dundee but sympathy for Craig Wighton

Hearts fans are happy with the starting XI to face Dundee. Picture: SNS

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson revealed this week he had decided on his starting XI to face Dundee “three weeks ago”.

After making eight changes during the week and a few fine individual performances in the 3-1 win over Raith Rovers in the Betfred Cup some may thought the manager could have been swayed, but it doesn’t look like he has.

Craig Wighton, after a hat-trick on Tuesday has been benched, with Liam Boyce and Michael Smith coming in. Neilson has made 10 changes with Stephen Kingsley the only survivor and will revert to a left-back role in a 4-2-3-1 after playing as a centre-back in a 3-5-2.

What have Hearts fans made of the XI and Wighton’s omission?

@AldoScrim89: “Probably the strongest team we could name here. Delighted with that #hmfc”

@McIverTheMark: “This is our strongest lineup possible, bar Haring, so I'm very excited.”

@Thejamtarts51: “Wighton on the bench! Strong team still though. Get stuck right into them Hearts.”

@Loveofthegame19: “I know I know, football isn’t played on paper and I’ll probably regret this.... BUT, that looks a really good side, on paper...”

@Jamborab10: “Strong side! Strong bench! Let’s do it Hearts.”

@hearts_centre: “Pretty close with my prediction, 9 out of 11. Good to see all our internationals in the squad.”

@LifeIsFootball6: “I cannot believe Halliday, Haring, Wighton, and Naismith are all on the bench. Has Robbie banged his head? Ah well I'll trust his decision. Still it's a much stronger team than Tuesday's one. Mon the Jambos.”

@arctic_jambo: “Harsh on Wighton, but got to field out strongest and that’s the strongest we could go with tonight IMO.”

@WeAreScottishFB: “Good lineup from #Hmfc and let's be honest Boyce was always going to be main striker tonight and not Wighton but he is a good option and wants to prove himself.”

@JenksAScott: “Would have started Wighton.”

@deansmith21031: “Good starting line up and bench looking strong as well. Let’s get off to a good start.”

@Auldreidy: “If Boyce hasn't scored a hat trick by half time get Wizard Wighton on HHGH”

@bchappy1874: “Gutted for Wighton, that’s a strong team though still!! C’mon Hearts.”

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