Week 2 opponent review Hearts

By: j | August 14th, 2008

The second week of the season has Hearts visiting Ibrox in what will surely be a heated encounter, much of it do with their owner Vladimir Romanov, delight with the recent loss to FBK Kaunas which he equally controls. Prior to pre-match preview, that to no-one’s surprise will emphasize the “this one is personal” motivational ploy for the Gers, lets take a quick look at the squad from Edinburgh.

New Hearts manager Csaba László is a distinctive break from the past and he will create a more counter-attack rich squad with great deal of passing flair and flanking assaults. The key to his approach is that his squad will always have an eye towards drawing their opponent into the center of the pitch before launching a counter-attack wave along the channel. Work-rate within a attacking style is key to Csaba László’s approach and as an example, I’m expecting him to have a very pronounced impact upon Laryea Kingston importance and play this campaign. The clubs midfield of Andrew Driver and Michael Stewart along with Kingston is their strong suit and there success relies upon this group. New-man, midfielder David Obua will have a major impact upon the squad but his formal registration from Kaiser Chiefs has yet to be completed so he is unlikely to be in the Ibrox tussle. Captain Christophe Berra is a good leader who possess a keen eye on the pitch and will try to stabilize the back line that continues the up and coming left-back Lee Wallace, however this is the clubs weakness. Twenty year-old Jamie Mole who many will recall for Livingston and Queen of the South, got the nod for the opening match against Motherwell at Striker and if given the chance, he will develop into a quality predator.

Part two of my match preview to come shortly.