This is the sort of game that might suit us. The players will be stung – most would hope humiliated – by the debacle last week and professional pride should see them come out fighting against Hearts. Inverness does not suit our style since they sit back, make us do the running and then hit us on the break. Assuming we actually discover a work ethic from somewhere we will be able to concentrate on shutting down Hearts and then trying to hit on the break ourselves.
Of course it could all go horribly wrong. Hearts are missing some players through injury and suspension and they may even choose to rest a few. However the simple fact will remain that player by player they will be better than us – a lot better. If they play well and we continue to lose our shape, make individual errors and look generally apathetic then the outcome could be embarrassing.
We will be without Elliot since he won't play against his real employer and there is obviously no return yet for O'Donnell or Corrigan. Paterson must be doubtful after his knock last week which might see Reynolds push out to left back and Craigan partner McLean in the middle. Lasley and Kerr will be up against Hartley and Brellier in the middle – if we maintain parity in that match up we are doing very well. McDonald will play up front presumably alongside one of Clarkson or McCormack. The final straw for many ‘Well fans regarding Malpas may be if Kevin McBride makes another appearance at right wing. It is always a shame to pick on one individual but the unfortunate McBride currently sums up everything that is wrong with us. This is one of the rare occasions when change for the sake of change won't hurt.