Heart of Midlothian vs Istanbul Basaksehir
UEFA Europa League Conference, KO: 17:45 Sep 8, 2022, Tynecastle
HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN will be hoping to put a dismal run of results behind them as they welcome Istanbul Basaksehir to Tynecastle for a glamorous opener in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Group stage football was Hearts' reward for a hugely impressive campaign that saw them finish third in the Premiership and take Rangers all the way to extra-time in the Scottish Cup Final.
But there's no doubt the Euro adventure has been a huge distraction for the Jambos in the new campaign, with Robbie Neilson's men losing five of their last six games.
They haven't even managed to score in their last two outings, crashing out of the League Cup to Kilmarnock then following it up with a defeat at Livingston in the SPFL Premiership as my card bet landed.
So they need to spark their season back into life and a visit from Turkish giants Basaksehir should re-energise them with Tynecastle packed to the rafters.
Hearts impressed in their last home Euro outing against Zurich and probably would have won that game had Jorge Grant not picked up a second yellow card for diving.
But Istanbul Basaksehir are a step up in class from the Swiss side and head to Tynecastle unbeaten in their 10 games so far this season.
Their last three matches have ended in victories, including an impressive 3-1 triumph at Royal Antwerp in the play-offs. So manager Emre Belözoğlu will fancy their chances in Edinburgh, although he will have to hand over dugout duties after being banned from the touchline by UEFA for not having the relevant coaching qualifications.
How the bookies view it
McBookie price Istanbul Basaksehir at 5/4 and that looks terrific value given Hearts are on such a bad run of results and the Turks have yet to taste defeat this season. Heart of Midlothian are 21/8 at VBet while the draw pays 23/10 with QuinnBet.
Head to head
These sides are facing off for the first time and Hearts also haven't battled a Turkish team in Europe before. But Istanbul Basaksehir have taken on British teams in their short history, losing 1-0 on aggregate to Burnley in the Europa League qualifiers back in 2018 then famously beating Manchester United 2-1 in the Champions League two years ago, although they did lose every other game in that group.
Players to watch
Lawrence Shankland should lead the line for Hearts and the former Scotland striker netted against Zurich from the spot in Switzerland. He's 11/5 with Unibet for a famous Tynecastle strike.
Stefano Okaka scored against Breidablik and Antwerp so the veteran striker will fancy his chances of another European goal. He's 9/4 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer in this one.
Anything else catch the eye?
Hearts had a go against Zurich and I'd be surprised if Neilson went on the defensive for this one, with a packed Tynecastle expecting them to attack. So it bodes well for an open game, especially with BTTS landing in four of Basaksehir's six European games this season.
Backing both teams to score pays a best 4/5 with Unibet but over 2.5 goals is better at 21/20 with 888Sport.
The Jambos won seven corners when Zurich came calling and that makes the evens on offer at Bet365 for over 4.5 Hearts corners here well worth a shout.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Heart of Midlothian and Istanbul Basaksehir will be played on Sep 8, 2022 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Heart of Midlothian vs Istanbul Basaksehir prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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