Hearts will look to pull off a major upset in the Europa League third round qualifiers as they take on Portuguese giants Benfica at Estadio da Luz on Thursday night (kick-off: 8pm UK time).
Having lost 6-0 on aggregate to Austrian outfit Sturm Graz in their Champions League qualifiers last week, Wouter Vrancken’s men dropped into the Europa League, but the task is no easier with a daunting challenge against Marco Silva’s men next up.
With the second leg set to be played at Tynecastle on Thursday, August 13, a strong result in the first leg in Lisbon will be required to give themselves the best chance of qualifying for the playoff stage in the capital next week. However, a defensive injury crisis has made Hearts’ task that bit harder.
On the other hand, their hosts Benfica have close to a full squad available as they look to take full advantage of the first leg being played on home soil.
Ahead of the game at Estadio da Luz, The Scotsman has all the latest team news:
1. Stuart Findlay - Hearts - AVAILABLE
Hearts saw the defender sent off late in the club's 2-1 opening day defeat to Aberdeen. They have appealed the decision, but he will be available for the clash with Benfica regardless of the outcome, with the suspension only applying to domestic games. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. Stephen Kingsley - Hearts - OUT
The versatile Hearts defender is out with a hamstring injury, and is not expected to return until the end of the month. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. Malachi Fagan-Walcott - Hearts - OUT
The defender has been removed from Hearts European squad after suffering an injury in the Champions League qualifying tie against Sturm Graz last week. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
4. Fredrik Aursnes - Benfica - DOUBT
The Norwegian is a doubt for the game with a thigh injury, but is Benfica's only injury concern. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: AFP via Getty Images