Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
Dinamo Minsk face Hearts in an eagerly-awaited Europa Conference League clash, aiming to build on back-to-back wins over FC Minsk and Isloch. Despite their recent domestic form, the Belarusians will not have home advantage, as the game will be played at a neutral location in Sumqayit. This could diminish their chances of securing a win, though they head into Thursday's match with no fresh injury worries.
Hearts, meanwhile, have struggled in the Premiership, most recently sharing the spoils with Ross County in front of home fans.. Their slow start to the season suggests they may find it difficult to break down Dinamo Minsk, even on neutral ground. Additionally, the Jambos will be without Taylor Dosman and Nieuwenhof due to injuries, further complicating their task. Given the circumstances, a close encounter is on the cards. While Dinamo Minsk may have the upper hand in form, Hearts’ determination to bounce back from their recent disappointments could result in a closely-contested draw.
Highlighted Team (Hearts):
Founded in 1874, Hearts are professional football club that compete in the Scotland Premiership. The Jam Tarts welcome their rivals at Tynecastle Park Gorgie, the stadium which can hold up to 20,000 spectators.
While the original Hearts strip was all white shirts and trousers with maroon trimmings, the club’s current home kit is all maroon with a white-collar. Hearts have won the Scottish Premier League title four times (1894/95, 1896/97, 1957/58, 1959/60), but they have been in Celtic and Rangers’ shadows in the 21st century. Hibernian are considered the club’s fiercest rivals. The two teams first met back in 1875 on Christmas Day, with Hearts winning the match 1-0. The Tynecastle Park Gorgie recorded their biggest win in 1880, with the team rolling over Anchor 21-0 in the FA Cup.
The club’s heaviest defeat came eight years later as Hearts were beaten by Vale of Leven 8-1 in the Scottish Cup. John Robertson is leading the club’s all-time goal-scoring chart, with the left winger netting 214 goals for the club.