Hearts travel to Pittodrie without captain Marius Zaliukas amid the continuing impasse over his contract negotiations. David Obua has joined the injury list after suffering a groin strain while training with Uganda and Ian Black is doubtful after breaking two bones in his hand. Stephen Elliott returns from a hamstring injury but Andrew Driver (thigh) and Lee Wallace (knee) remain on the sidelines. One point separates the two sides with Hearts having the advantage and Jim Jefferies acknowledges both clubs have had very similar starts to the season. He said: "They got off to a flying start but they have been a bit up and down with results, just like ourselves. But they are always difficult to play up there. They played terrific against Rangers, just like we did, but they lost a two-goal lead. On their day they have shown they can beat anyone. Mark has brought in a lot of new players but, like us, he has had a lot of injuries to key players.'' |