Hearts Vs Ross County

Hearts will take on Ross County at Tynecastle Park this Saturday in a crucial Scottish Premiership clash, as they look to secure their first victory of the 2024-25 season.

Currently, Hearts find themselves at the bottom of the league table, having earned only one point from their first five matches. In contrast, Ross County sits in eighth place with six points, having achieved one victory and three draws thus far.

Team Form and Expectations

Following a promising run in recent seasons, where Hearts finished third, fourth, and third consecutively, there were high hopes for the team to contend for a European qualification spot this year. However, their season has started disastrously, with the club managing to win just one of their first nine matches in all competitions. Their only point so far came from a hard-fought draw against Rangers on the opening day of the campaign.

In light of the team's poor performance, Steven Naismith, who had been managing Hearts since April 2023, was dismissed after the latest setback against St Mirren. As a result, this match will mark the first under the new management, providing an opportunity for a fresh start.

Historically, Hearts have fared well against Ross County, winning six of their last 15 encounters, with only one loss during this span. However, the recent memory of defeat in their last meeting in March looms large.

Ross County’s Current Situation

Ross County has also struggled this season, arriving at Tynecastle Park with just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions. Despite this, manager Don Cowie can take some solace in their position within the league; they currently sit in eighth place, boasting six points from six fixtures. Their only defeats in the league have come at the hands of Rangers and Aberdeen, which is somewhat encouraging given their recent history.

The club has faced relegation battles in the last two seasons, narrowly escaping in 2022-23 by edging past Partick Thistle 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate tie, and more comfortably securing their status last season with a 6-1 aggregate win over Raith Rovers. Cowie will be hopeful that this season, his side can steer clear of the relegation playoffs once more.

Following two consecutive losses to Rangers and Aberdeen, Ross County has shown signs of resurgence, managing a win and a draw in their last two fixtures. This newfound confidence will be crucial as they prepare to face the struggling Hearts.

Conclusion

As Hearts and Ross County meet on Saturday, both teams find themselves in a delicate position in the league. While Hearts aim to turn their fortunes around under new management, Ross County seeks to build on their recent improvements. The stakes are high, making this matchup a must-watch for fans and a potential turning point for both clubs.