HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN revived their UEFA Europa Conference League hopes with a win in Riga last time out but the acid test now comes with a double-header against Fiorentina.
Istanbul Basaksehir gave the Jambos a reality check in their group opener by romping to a 4-0 victory at Tynecastle but Robbie Neilson's men recovered well to win 2-0 at RFS in Latvia.
Now Hearts will need to show similar character to bounce back from another 4-0 thrashing in Gorgie, this time from Rangers in the SPFL Premiership.
While Fiorentina are a big name, they haven't been putting in many big performances this season and Neilson's side might never have a better chance to claim their scalp.
Vincenzo Italiano's side have won just three of their 12 games this season and couldn't even manage to see off RFS at home, drawing 1-1 with the minnows.
Basaksehir battered them 3-0 on their last Euro outing so Fiorentina badly need a result at Tynecastle to stop their season from descending further into chaos.
Their form has picked up a little in Serie A, with a 2-0 win at home to Verona followed by a narrow 1-0 loss at leaders Atalanta on Sunday, but Fiorentina still need to be shaken out of their slumber.
How the bookies view it
Despite their dismal form, Fiorentina are still odds-on favourites for this one at a best 4/6 with Unibet. Heart of Midlothian are as big as 5/1 with Bet365 while the draw pays 16/5 with VBet.
Head to head
These sides have never faced off before in Europe but Hearts have locked horns with Italian sides twice. They lost 5-0 on aggregate to Inter Milan in the 1961/62 Fairs Cup then were edged out 4-3 by Bologna in the 1990/91 UEFA Cup.
Players to watch
Barrie McKay was Hearts' most impressive player in their win over RFS and his creativity will be key to unlocking Fiorentina's defence. The playmaker is 7/1 at William Hill for anytime scorer but might be better value for an assist once that market is priced up.
Luka Jovic has been a disappointment for Fiorentina since his move from Real Madrid but could start here after coming off the bench at Atalanta. The Serb is 7/4 at SkyBet for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Going for over 2.5 strikes backfired for me in Riga but that was only because both sides passed up some incredible chances in an open match. Neilson has vowed to have a go at the Italian giants and that bodes well for another entertaining game.
Over 2.5 goals looks good at 17/20 with Bet365 while BTTS stands a chance at the same odds with Betway. The crowd will urge Heart of Midlothian forward from the start so over 1.5 first-half goals also appeals at 9/5 with SportNation.
Fiorentina stopper Igor Julio looks like he enjoys a tackle with the Brazilian picking up three yellows and two reds in just seven appearances this season. He's 11/4 with Unibet to be carded at Tynecastle which looks great value based on the stats.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Heart of Midlothian and Fiorentina will be played on Oct 6, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Heart of Midlothian vs Fiorentina prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
