There's nothing like it. The first game of the season, the buzz of anticipation, watching Sky Sports or Soccer AM before heading out. Sometimes to the train station to meet fellow Jambo's, other times it's off to Gorgie. Stratty's, Merchie Hearts club, the Tynie Arms, line the stomach with a chippie, put a bet on at Ladbrokes, head into the most atmospheric stadium in
Unless you start it off on a Monday night in Tannadice!
Thanks to ESPN, that's where Hearts are kicking off the new season, just days before we face Dinamo Zagreb in
It's going to be a hard fought encounter. Craig Levein will be desperate to put one over the club he managed and played for, and I reckon Andy Webster will be looking to prove himself to his former team as well. Hearts, quite rightly so, will have one eye on the Europa League clash on Thursday as they look to restore some of the pride lost by Scottish clubs and the national team over the past few weeks. But they'll also be looking to get the season off to a flyer.
United are without Lee Wilkie, Jon Daly, Kevin Smith Francisco Sandanza. The Gorgie boys are missing Andy Driver and Calum Elliot through injury while Marius Zaliukas starts his four game suspension.
I predict it will be a tough encounter played between the two best teams in
I won't be gutted if Hearts win tonight and prove me wrong!
Meanwhile, Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo has insisted a striker is his sides number one signing priority, but will be brought in on a budget. A host of names have been linked with a move to Tynecastle this summer and after losing out of
Any suggestions?!?