Hearts face Kilmarnock in the all SPL tie in the third round of the Scottish Cup at Tynecastle.
Both teams were winners of the competition back in the 90s, Kilmarnock in 1997 and Hearts in 1998. Hearts were the last team outside the Old Firm to win it and will be desperate to be the team that breaks the Old Firm’s run.
Kilmarnock have some familiar faces in their squad, ex Hearts players Gary Wales, Gary Locke and Allan Johnston and of course ex Hearts manager Jim Jeffries.
This is shaping up to be a cracker of a cup tie with both teams having a good season in the SPL, Hearts may just edge it but don’t be surprised if Killie can force a replay.
Hearts Team News:
Lithuanian Deividas Cesnauskis is doubtful for this game after he picked up a knock last week but his fellow countryman Saulius Mikoliunas is available after shaking off an injury.
Roman Bednar will miss out.
Player to watch: Rudi Skacel
The winger will be hear for the rest of the season and will be the danger man today.
Kilmarnock Team News:
Kilmarnock still have Midfielders Peter Leven and Danny Invincible out injured.
Gary Locke will not feature against his old club despite returning to training.
Player to watch: Gary Wales
The ex Jambos striker has been on good goal scoring form of late.
Match Facts & Stats
Previous meetings this season
Kilmarnock 2 Hearts 4, SPL, July 30th 2005
Hearts 1 Kilmarnock 0, SPL, Oct 26th 2005
Ref Watch:
Alan Freeland
Match Prediction:
Hearts 2 Kilmarnock 1
Next Fixtures:
v Dunfermline (a), SPL, Sat 14 Jan 2006
