The three big questions over Hearts XI to face Celtic.

Heart of Midlothian will face Celtic on Sunday afternoon in the Scottish Premiership live on Sky Sports. It is the third and final game of a difficult week for Steven Naismith’s side.

Last weekend, they lost 5-0 to Rangers, followed by a 1-1 draw with an improving Hibs team in Gorgie on Wednesday. This will be one of only two league games in the next few weeks, with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Cup and an international break ahead.

Our reporters, Joel Sked and James Cairney, explore the potential starting lineup as Hearts try to return to winning ways.

The key concern is how Steven Naismith will deal with Frankie Kent’s absence?It’s a topic I discussed earlier today, looking at the center-back’s importance to the team and the options available to the Hearts manager. The first thing to consider is whether he will use a back three or back four.

Hearts struggled in the back four in their previous match at Tynecastle Park, with the defence falling apart too easily. A third centre-back would strengthen the team’s foundation, and Naismith’s current three centre-backs create a solid balance. Toby Sibbick and Kye Rowles are better in a back three, and Stephen Kingsley can play in the middle. He’s had a very consistent season and should be classified as a centre-back rather than a left-back.

Another major question is the composition of the midfield. Beni Baningime’s ball-playing ability was missed versus Hibs. Calem Nieuwenhof has rendered himself undroppable. He was the team’s best player during the derby. That effectively leaves only one spot. Jorge Grant, or Cammy Devlin. Two extremely distinct players. The latter would be more disruptive to Celtic, but the former has frequently made a beneficial contribution off the bench.

Naismith’s forward options are rather limited, with Lawrence Shankland likely to be paired with Alan Forrest or Kenneth Vargas. Forrest performed admirably in that role during the Celtic Park victory.

With a back three and playing at home, Dexter Lembikisa might add pace and directness to the wingback position.

I believe Naismith will use the 3-5-2 formation that was so successful at Celtic Park in December for this game, albeit with a few player alterations. That triumph must have served as the pattern for Hearts’ tactics against the champions on Sunday, but there is one major issue position.

With Frankie Kent certain to miss the Edinburgh derby after picking up a knock, and Craig Halkett still out, Naismith is low on choices at centre back. Only three senior players are fit and available: Toby Sibbick, Stephen Kingsley, and Kye Rowles, and I believe all three will be selected on Sunday.

If Naismith wants to go with a back three, he doesn’t have many options. The only option is to line up with a back four, but I believe this would leave Hearts exposed at the back, and I anticipate Naismith to think similarly.

I expect Beni Baningime to start at the base of midfield – he was outstanding in the 2-0 win in Glasgow’s east end, and a repeat performance will greatly improve Hearts’ prospects of success – and to be partnered by Calem Nieuwenhof and Jorge Grant. Nieuwenhof is one of the first names on the team sheet right now, and it’s difficult to picture a player with his abilities being missed on Sunday, whereas Grant is the squad’s most reliable playmaker. Scott Fraser didn’t take his chance in the Derby, therefore I believe Grant will return to the starting lineup.

It’s a little more complicated at first. Lawrence Shankland will start, while Alan Forrest is expected to join. Forrest may not be as effective in the final third as Kenneth Vargas, but he is considerably safer in possession and gives Hearts a better chance of playing out of the back and defeating the Celtic push. Vargas may come off the bench if Hearts need a goal. Kyosuke Tagawa is also a good tactical fit for this Premiership encounter. The Japanese striker hasn’t done enough to earn a starting spot, but he might come off the bench.