Heart of Midlothian

• None of the last 21 Scottish Premiership meetings between Hearts and Aberdeen have been won by the away side (17 home wins, 4 draws), with each of the last 10 in a row being home wins (5 Hearts, 5 Aberdeen).

• After their 3-2 win in October, Aberdeen could earn back-to-back league victories over Hearts for the first time since August 2019. However, the Dons are winless in 11 league visits to Hearts (D3 L8) since a 2-1 triumph in May 2017 under Derek McInnes.

• Hearts have lost their last two home league games, last losing three in a row on home soil in the Scottish Premiership in December 2019 under Daniel Stendel.

• After winning 10 of their first 11 league games this season (D1), Aberdeen have since failed to win their last two (D1 L1). Indeed, the Dons are now without a win in their last three away league outings (D2 L1).

• Only Nicolas Kuhn (11) has more goal involvements in the Scottish Premiership this season than Jamie McGrath (10 - 4 goals, 6 assists), who has scored in both of Aberdeen’s last two league games.

Image source, SNS

Midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof is still missing for Hearts with a hamstring issue.

Meanwhile, striker Pape Habib Gueye (quad) is Aberdeen's only absentee.

Lawrence Shankland's chances of joining Rangers appear to have gone amid the Heart of Midlothian striker's barren goals run even though the 29-year-old remains out of contract next summer. (The Herald), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

The initial bounce Hearts enjoyed after the appointment of Neil Critchley has somewhat worn off.

Three wins and only one loss in his opening five games in charge have been followed by four straight defeats and only goal difference keeps the Englishman's side above city rivals Hibernian at the bottom of the league.

But Critchley will be pointing out to his players that two of those reverses have come in the Conference League and the others against the Old Firm.

Again, there was some promise in Thursday's performance against Cercle Brugge, with the Belgians capitalising on Lawrence Shankland's sudden loss of confidence by going on to win 2-0 after the Scotland striker fluffed his chance to equalise from the penalty spot.

Hearts and their captain have no time to feel sorry for themselves as second-top Aberdeen arrive intent on inflicting a fourth consecutive home defeat on the Edinburgh side.

The Dons themselves have suffered their first blips since the summer arrival of Jimmy Thelin from Elfsborg.

Having won 12 or their first 13 games under the Swede, they have now only recorded one victory in four - and have gone four trips away from Pittodrie without a win after Hibs' late equaliser in Tuesday's six-goal thriller at Easter Road.

Shankland will be hoping the Dons defence proves similarly porous on Sunday as the 29-year-old, who found the net 33 times last season, looks to end an 11-game barren spell since his only goal this season.

Hearts may need it if they are to inflict Aberdeen's sixth successive defeat at Tynecastle - or at least extend their 12-game unbeaten run there against the Dons since a 2-1 loss in May 2017.

Read all the weekend Premiership picks

We asked for your views on misfiring striker Lawrence Shankland and Hearts' 2-0 defeat away to Cercle Brugge in the Conference League.

Here's what some of you said:

George: Shankland lacks confidence despite playing well in other aspects of his game but that confidence factor is also affecting the rest of the team.

David G: Given time I believe Neil Critchley's attacking philosophy will come good but this means the right recruitment in strikers and players with pace up front. Our current inability in front of goal is shocking and at the other end our lapses in concentration are woeful. Shankland has to be dropped and the weight of the captaincy taken away.

Scott: Just bad luck really, if you watch the replay of the penalty, it should have been retaken as the goalkeeper was way off his line before Shankland strikes the ball. We are just not getting any breaks just now, but the players need to hang in there. So many out of contract players is a problem though, hopefully we see some movement in January window.

Steven: Easy to have a pop at Shankland but he is the reason we are playing European football. We have to stick with him, there is no other option. The games through December are too big, too much pressure to throw in the young strikers. Letting Kyosuke Tagawa go looks now to be a massive error by the club.

David T: This was like watching a Sunday amateur league game, both teams were poor, riddled with stray passes all night. As for the penalty I blame the manager for letting Shankland take it, he is low in confidence.

David M: This game is symptomatic of practically all games this season. Hearts are not scoring goals. The new coach knows this yet still perseveres with the same players. Nothing has changed from the previous coaching staff. Just waiting for your main striker to find some form is not a solution.

Kieran: Shankland doesn't want to be at Hearts. As supporters, we backed him even with his lack of commitment to the club. I don't know why he's captain, especially with Gordon back in the team. He's not a leader, it looks like he's not interested the majority of the time. Cut the losses, sell him in January once we have another striker.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Craig Gordon insists struggling Hearts are "playing well" as he rued "another one that got away" after the 2-0 Conference League defeat at Cercle Brugge.

Neil Critchley's men have now suffered four straight defeats in all competitions and have one win in their last seven outings.

"I thought we created some good chances. That has been the story for the last few months really," said the 41-year-old goalkeeper.

"Our performances have been at a decent level but we have not managed to score and we have not managed to win the matches we should have.

“That was another one tonight that feels like one that got away.

“On the balance of play we deserved at least a point and possibly all three so that is difficult to take.

"We have to keep fighting, we have to keep believing that it's going to turn because we are creating enough chances and at some point we will start winning again."

Hearts require a point from their remaining two Conference League games to all but guarantee a play-off spot. They visit FC Copenhagen in December before completing the league phase at home to Moldovans Petrocub in January.

"We will go to Copenhagen and try to get the win but it will be a difficult game," added Gordon.

"I think we are playing well. To win matches we need to keep the performance levels up and try to get more from everyone."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Neil Critchley had no issue with Hearts being booed off in Belgium and says letting the fans down is "the worst feeling in the world".

A late penalty miss from Lawrence Shankland, when Hearts trailed by a goal, proved costly as Cercle Brugge won 2-0 to keep the Tynecastle side waiting for a place in the Conference League knockout rounds.

"I understand their frustrations. I get it," head coach Critchley told BBC Scotland. "When you travel and come in big numbers we desperately want to give them a goal and a victory and see them celebrating.

"We have not done that. That is the worst feeling in the world, feeling as if you have let them down. But we have to bounce back.

"The games are running out and I have just said to the players this is not like a knockout competition and are out.

"We have two more games to go, so in two weeks' time when we go to Copenhagen we have another opportunity to produce better than what we are doing at the moment."

Heart of Midlothian's hopes of playing in Europe after Christmas for the first time since 1989 were dented by defeat against Cercle Brugge in the Conference League.

Malamine Efekele's goal - a scuffed effort that wrong-footed Craig Gordon - just before half-time put the Belgian side ahead.

Lawrence Shankland had a glorious opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot but the out-of-form striker blasted over the bar in the 82nd minute. He has now missed four of his last seven spot-kicks.

Gary Magnee's deflected strike eight minutes later consigned Hearts to a fourth defeat in a row in a miserable season, with only one victory in their last seven games leaving them second bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

Hearts fans, were you in Belgium or following the game from home? Either way we want your thoughts on the game. Have your say, external.

Image source, SNS

Hearts manager Neil Critchley: "It was a hugely disappointing result.

"Nothing in the first half, not many chances at either end really, fine margins.

"We conceded a poor goal in the first half and then I thought in the second half we were better, some good moments we didn't take and things not quite going for us. It's frustrating with a capital f I think.

"First goals are pivotal in any game and at the moment we're not getting them. We were wasteful on the ball in the first half.

"You rely on the ability and quality of the players you've got and at the moment we need those players to step up."

Image source, SNS

On a night that was ultimately disappointing for Hearts, James Penrice was a bright spark all game.

Image source, SNS

Lawrence Shankland and Hearts' misery is going hand in hand this season - and is a stark contrast to the success player and team enjoyed in the last campaign.

The striker's free-scoring form booked him a ticket to Euro 2024 with Scotland and helped the Jambos cruise to third place in the Scottish Premiership.

But he has just one goal this season and with no-one else to pick up the slack, Hearts are above the Premiership's bottom club Hibernian only on goal difference.

The Hearts fans who made the trip to Belgium will have been forgiven for thinking they had seen this programme before, as Shankland drew a blank and the rest of the team looked toothless despite enjoying 60% possession.

Efekele's goal, at the end of a first half notable only for the amount of times the referee's whistle was heard, summed up this season for the former Dundee United striker.

The right-footed midfielder - on loan from Monaco, which like Cercle Brugge is owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev – somehow dragged the ball inside Gordon's left-hand post with a weak, scuffed shot.

In contrast, a brilliant instinctive backheel from Shankland agonisingly went past the post with home goalkeeper Maxime Delanghe looking beaten.

Shankland blew the perfect opportunity to end his drought and give Hearts a precious point when the home side were penalised for a handball but his wild effort flew a foot over the crossbar.

The 29-year-old had another chance to equalise moments later from a delightful cross from James Penrice but his glancing header went wide.

Magnee's strike soon after emptied salt in Shankland's wound and means the feel-good factor of Hearts' opening two Conference League wins and the mini bounce new boss Critchley enjoyed are a distant memory.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland in Bruges

Image source, SNS

James Penrice is "reaping the rewards" of hard work as he looks to help Hearts secure a place in the Conference League knockout rounds tonight.

The left-back missed the second half of last season with Livingston through injury before joining Hearts in the summer and has quickly become a mainstay in the team, with the fans even creating a song for him.

Hearts face Cercle Brugge in Belgium knowing victory would guarantee post-Christmas European football for the first time since 1988-89.

"It's been mental," Penrice said. "[A year ago] I would never have thought I'd be playing in nights like this.

"I'm going to try everything I can to win this football game and I think everyone can see that.

"I put a lot of hard work into being where I am and this is me reaping the rewards.

"We can definitely qualify for the next stage. That was the aim of coming into this competition.

"We should have no fear. Even when coming to these grounds, we're coming here to get three points."

Image source, SNS

• Hearts are second bottom of the Scottish Premiership, while Cercle Bruges currently sit 14th of 16 teams in the Belgian First Division.

• Cercle have gone three games without a victory after Saturday's 1-0 defeat away to Standard Liege.

• Cercle have only played Scottish opposition once previously - but that was this season, when they drew 1-1 in Kilmarnock before a 1-0 home victory in Europa League qualifying.

• Hearts have won three and lost three of their matches against Belgian opponents, the latest being against Standard Liege in the Uefa Cup second round in 1992, losing both legs 1-0.

• Hearts have lost twice and won once in Belgium, their only victory being 3-1 against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Fairs Cup first round in 1961 as they won 5-1 on aggregate.

• Overall, Cercle have won eight and lost six of their 15 European matches.

Kenneth Vargas has apologised to his Heart of Midlothian team-mates and had clear-the-air talks with head coach Neil Critchley after the Costa Rican forward was quoted making a scathing attack on Scottish football and saying he wants to test himself at a higher level with a transfer in January. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Former Hearts forward Stephen Elliot has been appointed manager of Irish First Division club Wexford after time in the academy of St Patrick's Athletic. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, Getty Images

Neil Critchley says Hearts will have to be at their best both "physically and mentally" if they are to beat Cercle Brugge in the Conference League on Thursday.

Critchley's side have six points from their three European league fixtures so far, and sit 12th in the table, two points ahead of the Belgian opponents.

Hearts have to finish in the top 24 teams in the competition to stay in Europe beyond Christmas, and Critchley has left nothing to chance before his first European away trip in charge of the Gorgie club.

"I've watched them myself, as the staff have, as we always do," he said. "We prepare for the games, and we know the type of team that we're going to be facing.

"We know their style of play. We know their strengths and weaknesses, if you like. That's what we do.

"We try to negate their strengths and try to exploit the things that are going to give us an advantage in the game. There's quite clear traits that are consistent when you watch this team play.

"They make it difficult for you. Any game away from home in Europe is a difficult contest.

"We know we're going to have to be at our best. We're going to have to be here physically, mentally, but if we are, then we'll have an opportunity of picking up three points."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Hearts boss Neil Critchley has been looking ahead to Thursday night's Europa Conference League game against Cercle Brugge.

Here are the main points:

• Critchley is "really excited" about his first European away game with Hearts and says "there's a different feel about it".

• The Hearts boss isn't fooled by Cercle Brugge's league position and knows they will have to play well to get a result but he is certain his side are prepared for the challenge tomorrow night.

• Admits the size of travelling support is "overwhelming" but hopes his side can create a "great memory" for them on Thursday night.

• Critchley knows Cercle will be desperate for a victory on Thursday night - "the points are running out and they'll need to win" but insists his side also want to win so hopes it makes for an exciting game.

• He's not spoken to Derek McInnes for advice - whose side faced Cercle Brugge earlier in the season - but knows it was two tough and close games between the sides. Critchley stresses Hearts "want to be the best version of ourselves".

• Despite the 4-1 defeat, the manager admits the side "can draw confidence from Celtic game" and praises the players' mentality to "keep going against tough opposition.

Lawrence Shankland's Heart of Midlothian contract situation has not affected the Tynecastle squad or the striker himself, says Jambos midfielder Blair Spittal. (Daily Record)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

For any Jambo that was unable to make last Saturday evening's match at Tynecastle due to Storm Bert, you could have forgiven them for being tempted during the second half to switch channel and see what else was on offer.

Following the 4-1 defeat to Celtic, I'm keen to watch the new Andrew Lloyd Webber series 'How do you solve a problem like Lawrence Shankland?'

Statisticians and head coach Neil Critchley will tell you he is having a really good season in terms of his all-round contribution, with the data showing things like expected assists, aerial wins and pressuring the opponent are all increased from last term.

But the most important statistic for a striker is scoring and to have one goal in 19 club games is a massive drop-off for Shankland's recent standards.

Compared to this date last season, Shankland had scored 11 goals in 20 games. Hearts' poor league form this season isn't solely down to Shankland, but it does illustrate the hard task Critchley has to turn around performances.

Does he stick or twist with Shankland starting games, with many supporters losing patience with the striker who has all but confirmed he will be away next summer?

Critchley's striking options are sparse and with Spanish kid Musa Drammeh, who thundered in a consolation strike versus the league leaders, not registered for Europe it all but confirms Shankland will start in Belgium against Cercle Brugge where we could secure European football past Christmas for the first time since 1989. I suspect Craig Gordon was probably playing in our reserves back then, given the longevity of his career.

There's been a debate within Gorgie pubs over whether Critchley should play his best 11 for this European game, or save that for the visit of Aberdeen on Sunday.

From the body of evidence we've seen from Critchley, he's settled on a core 17-18 regular starters. So that means guys like Craig Halkett, Zander Clark, Liam Boyce, Barrie McKay and Andres Salazar will likely remain in footballing Siberia.

For me, the Aberdeen game is most important and it's genuinely one I can see us winning.

Jimmy Thelin's side were always due to hit a sticky period in form. Following their defeat to St Mirren and the fact we more than matched them at Pittodrie earlier this campaign, it gives me belief we can defeat them.

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley encourages out of favour players Liam Boyce and Andres Salazar not to lose faith and indicates they will get their chance. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Critchley has "so many things" he wants to discuss with new Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Rangers are edging closer to the signing of Hearts and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland, who is out of contract next summer, in the January transfer window, with a possible cut-price deal on the cards. (Football Insider), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Watch Sportscene analysis of Hearts' 4-1 defeat against Celtic.