Heart of Midlothian

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• This will be Wouter Vrancken's first league game as Hearts manager. Both of Hearts' last two managers have won their first Premiership game, Neil Critchley beating St Mirren 4-0 in October 2024 and Derek McInnes beating Aberdeen 2-0 on August 2025.

• Hearts have won their opening game in four of the past five Premiership seasons (D1), last losing on matchday one in the division in 2019-20 – which was away to Aberdeen (3-2).

• This is the second successive league season Aberdeen and Hearts have met on the opening day, after the Jambos won 2-0 in 2025-26. Hearts last visited Aberdeen on matchday one in 2019-20, losing 3-2.

• Aberdeen could lose on the opening day in back-to-back league campaigns for the first time since a run of three from 2007-08 to 2009-10.

• Aberdeen have won 10 of their past 11 home league games against Hearts, with the exception a goalless draw in January 2025.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Claudio Braga admits Hearts are finding it difficult to adapt amid a huge summer of change.

New head coach Wouter Vrancken's reign has begun with Champions League elimination as Hearts were thumped 6-0 by Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round.

The Belgian is striving to implement a new style of play, while key players Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin have followed boss Derek McInnes in moving to Rangers after last season's agonising title near miss.

"I feel like it's early, of course," said Portuguese forward Braga.

"It's a lot of change, a lot of new players, a completely different style of play from what it was last year.

"It's hard to deal with all that in a short period of time. We are paid to do this, so we should be able to do it. I think in most parts of the game, we did it.

"That's the message of the coach. It's individual mistakes from our part that we need to not make.

"I feel like for the most part of the game we showed that we can be ready to play good football, exciting football. We just need to create the goals and not make mistakes at the back."

Braga feels Hearts were ruthlessly "punished" for their mistakes by Sturm Graz.

After suffering a 4-0 defeat in the first leg, Vrancken's men lost 2-0 at home on Tuesday night to drop into the Europa League qualifiers, where they will face Benfica or St Gallen.

"It was a different game when you know you lose 4-0 in the first half," Braga said.

"At the same time, we need to take our chances a little bit better. I think we were stronger for the most part of the game and created more and defended well but when we make mistakes against this team, we just get punished. That's what happened.

"Of course, you dream about playing in the Champions League. Even though it was play-offs, it's still Champions League.

"I think it can be a little bit early even though we can't give excuses.

"I think if you see the games, it's not because we play worse than them, it's because we committed a lot more mistakes than them. You pay for the mistakes against these kind of teams."

Hearts fans, we asked for your views after Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat to Sturm Graz which saw the club exit the Champions League qualifiers with a 6-0 aggregate loss to the Austrian side.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Steve: Extremely worrying with a manager trying to play his own style of play but not having the players to play that way. Reminds me of Daniel Stendel and Neil Critchley. No right-back that can tackle, Blair Spittal is too slow and how on earth can you bring on Jamie McCart and Pierre Landry Kabore after last week? Hopefully Josh McPake and Laurent Mendy can play at the weekend. The manager is already on a shoogly peg.

Dan: This Hearts squad just doesn't look ready and it's a reality check. It's as simple as that. In the few games of pre season there's been little cutting edge. Claudio Braga, while a great player and gives 100% every time, can't cope up front on his own without support and runners beyond him. Too many promising attacks broke down with next to no composure in front of goal. The lack of leadership is a huge concern. The start of the new season is just days away and begins at a ground we haven't won in the league since 2016. A pre-season, doesn't define a season but if we make the same mistakes as we have over the Champions League qualifier, Aberdeen are more than capable of taking advantage.

Alison: Reminiscent of the Critchley days. Players do not seem to have a clue how to defend or break up the play and a few of them are nowhere near this level. A strong striker and powerful centre-back are a must as this team looks easily bullied.

Billy: There is a huge disconnect just now, this does not feel like a passionate team and Scottish football demands passion. For every flair player you need a Scott Brown type to lay down the law and connect the fans. We look easy to beat and easy to deflate. Worrying times and I suspect a long August is now ahead. Steve Clarke would be the perfect manager just now.

David: Given the turmoil post-season there is no surprise we haven't come flying out of the starting blocks. Wouter Vrancken is definitely not Wilfried Nancy or Russell Martin and I really like the way he is trying to get the team to play. They are already showing it in spells although some steel is required in midfield. Look how Motherwell started last season and how they developed as season progressed. Keep the faith.

John: We overachieved last season while Celtic and Rangers imploded early on. Half the team and the manager have departed with key personnel now at Rangers. This team is in transition will take time to gel so I'm not expecting great things over the next month and think a top-six finish will be a good result overall. Happy to miss out on European football while we rebuild.

Hearts endured another painful night against Sturm Graz as the Tynecastle side's first Champions League campaign in 20 years ended in a swift exit.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on Hearts' performance via this link

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Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken tells BBC Scotland: "Tonight it would have been perfect to do something and I have to say the first half was good.

"A lot of intensity, energy to score goals, we made one miscalculation where we gave one chance away but after that we had control of the game.

"It was the same as last week, you drop a little bit around the 60th minute and then you see the difference in physical preparation. Sturm Graz were already six weeks into preparation for the season, us only three.

When asked if the Champions League qualifiers came too soon, Vrancken adds: "Physically yes.

"When you see both games again, what we did with the ball was really good until the moment that you physically cannot bring it anymore and that made it difficult."

On where the goals in his side may come from: "I hope everybody starts scoring. It doesn't matter who as long as the goals come.

"It comes together with physical preparation too, then you make the better decisions and in the final moments you're there to finish it. I cannot blame the players in intentions and how they did it at all.

"It's not about quality. When you play against Sturm Graz who are experienced in Europe and you play like that in the first half in both games then it's not about lacking quality, it's more about we have to make some steps physically.

On Stephen Kingsley, who had to be subbed off in the first half: "We don't know yet.

"It's not looking good and it's a pity for us because he was good in the game, comfortable on the ball and in the duels. I hope it's not too bad."

On Saturday's game against Aberdeen: "We have to go step by step again but we can't wait until we're physically top top to start getting results.

"We have to take the results and go into games like we did today but hopefully finish it."

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

Where will you finish in the league and why?

Third place. After coming within three minutes of becoming top-flight champions for the first time in 66 years, you'd normally expect that side to be right in the mix again the following season. However, I don't see that being the case for Hearts.

From a Hearts perspective, a third-place finish, a trip to Hampden in at least one cup competition - or even lifting a trophy - would represent a successful season. If we can also take at least 12 points from a possible 24 against the Old Firm, I'd consider that a strong campaign.

Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?

I like the look of French midfielder Tom Renauld, who has been brought in to replace Cammy Devlin, while Malachi Fagan-Walcott has the task of filling the void at centre-back left by injured captain Craig Halkett.

We need a frontman who can lead the line, give the team a focal point in attack, and provide a consistent goal threat to get us rocking and rolling. Presumably, we'll need to break our transfer record to find that player.

Who that player might be is impossible to predict with Jamestown Analytics involved. If it were up to me, I'd be looking for an experienced striker who is physically imposing, possesses a burst of pace, and can link play effectively. A recent example in terms of profile would be former loanee Ellis Simms.

What do you want from your manager this season?

Pragmatism. I appreciate that this might sound at odds with Wouter Vrancken's philosophy of "organised chaos", but the first-leg defeat to Sturm Graz showed how quickly games can turn against you and how important it is to react decisively.

We saw last season with Wilfried Nancy and Russell Martin you don't have the luxury of time to gradually implement a system or philosophy at one of Scotland's bigger clubs.

Who will be the breakout star in your squad?

Jordi Altena. The right-back position hasn't been properly settled since Michael Smith departed in the summer of 2023. Last season, Hearts frequently deployed Oisin McEntee, a central midfielder, and Michael Steinwender, a centre-half, in the role, while recognised right-back Christian Borchgrevink was largely overlooked by Derek McInnes.

I think Vrancken will place greater value on what Altena can offer going forward and, over time, he could establish himself as the club's first-choice right-back ahead of Borchgrevink.

Given the reported competition Hearts faced to sign him - including interest from Union Saint-Gilloise - I'm convinced there must be something special about him.

What is your one major concern?

That Hearts are entering the season underprepared.

To be fair to the club, they moved quickly to appoint Vrancken after McInnes' departure, allowing him to arrive in time for pre-season. However, I still don't think the new head coach has had enough time to properly assess his squad.

There are certain players who, based on current form, should not be automatic starters. My concern is Vrancken is being forced to learn about his squad during competitive matches rather than in a controlled pre-season environment.

We saw last season how a strong start laid the foundation for Hearts' title challenge. My hope is that, two weeks from now, there isn't a cloud of negativity hanging over Vrancken and his team before they've truly had the chance to get going.

Sturm Graz head coach Fabio Ingolitsch expects up to five changes to the Hearts line-up as the Austrian side take a 4-0 first-leg lead into Tuesday's Champions League second qualifying round return leg at Tynecastle. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande, 24, prefers playing with new team-mate Cammy Devlin, 28, than against the former Hearts midfielder. (Record - subscription required, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow says leaving Hearts has been one of the toughest decisions of his career but insists it was made for family reasons rather than football.

The 34-year-old is set to make his final appearance for Hearts in Tuesday night's Champions League second qualifying round second leg before returning to Germany after deciding his family had been unable to settle in Edinburgh.

The Tynecastle club trail Sturm Graz 4-0 heading into the match in Gorgie, a deficit they need to overturn to progress to the third qualifying round of Uefa's premier club competition.

"Last week was so disappointing," Schwolow said of the 4-0 loss in Austria.

"That's the major feeling I have. But despite that, we want a good game tomorrow and present ourselves differently than last week."

As he prepares to make his final appearance for the club, the goalkeeper says he will always look back fondly on his year at Hearts.

"I felt completely happy at Hearts," he added.

"From the moment I came here, I was welcomed by everybody. It was amazing. It was so much fun to play here.

"I liked everybody, from the dressing room to the fans. It was a family decision. I'm not only a football player, I'm a husband and a father as well.

"My family couldn't settle as I would have liked, so I had to make a tough decision to ask if it was possible to go back home, close to where I'm from.

"I'll be forever grateful for the club's understanding. It wasn't a sporting decision, just family."

The former Germany youth international admitted he knew little about Hearts before signing, but says the club quickly left a lasting impression.

"When I first heard of Hearts, I didn't know the club because I wasn't following Scottish football at all," he admitted.

"But from the moment I came here I felt welcomed. Amazing atmosphere at Tynecastle, amazing stadium and amazing fans. That made the decision easy. I didn't regret it."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for the second leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie against Sturm Graz with the Edinburgh club trailing 4-0.

Here are the main points:

• Vrancken says the training time they've had between the two legs "has been valuable because we need every moment and every session to improve".

• The Hearts boss knows "it's difficult when you are four goals behind but we have to go for a magical and historical night, that's the aim" adding "in football you never know what's going to happen so we have to believe but we also want to perform well to take the confidence for the next games."

• He admits his team "have to go all in and hope for the first goal, then we'll see".

• Vrancken has "no doubt the fans are going to support us" at Tynecastle on Tuesday night praising those who travelled to Austria for "the support they gave, also considering the result" and stresses "I have no doubt they're gong to behind us the full game".

• The 47-year-old stresses "we have to do better in both boxes" and says "the 11 on the pitch tomorrow have to believe in a special night".

• He also insists his side will have to be "pretty perfect especially in efficiency" if they want to overturn the four goal deficit adding "you have to be really clinical in both boxes".

• But Vrancken also admits "we have to take confidence in the way they played" last week "and encourage them to do it again" while also acknowledging "you have to point out the things they didn't do well enough defensively".

• Team news: Christian Borchgrevink is the only doubt for the game.

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Rogers Mato scored a late winner as Hearts edged past Raith Rovers 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at Stark's Park.

Off the back of Tuesday's crushing Champions League qualifying defeat by Sturm Graz, manager Wouter Vrancken named an entirely different XI to get minutes into more members of his squad.

With time running out, substitute Mato pounced on a short backpass and found the back of the net for the game's only goal.

Hearts are back in action on Tuesday as they host Sturm Graz, trying to overturn the 4-0 deficit from the first leg.

Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage has confirmed that the National League club will bank a record fee, which could rise to near seven figures, should 29-year-old midfielder Laurent Mendy agree personal terms with Heart of Midlothian. (Daily Record, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hearts defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott described his team's 4-0 loss to Sturm Graz as "embarrassing", but says they remain optimistic about the return leg of their Champions League qualifier next week.

Fagan-Walcott made his competitive debut in the match and says that, despite the heavy loss, there were signs of positivity.

"It's just tough to take. I think when you look at the stats of the game and everything, it's not a 4-0, but at this level, you have to take your chances," he said.

"We got chances as well, and if we take them, it looks like a different game. But we just have to look to the next one at Tynecastle and try to do as much as we can, because the tie is not over until the 90th minute at Tynecastle.

The 24-year-old added: "We can't make excuses. We have only had a short time together, but we're all grown-ups and we all take accountability, so we have to keep going.

"Of course it's embarrassing, it's 4-0, but these are things in football that happen. If we get too embarrassed and sink, and go to Tynecastle like that, it'll just get worse.

"So, we'll take the embarrassment. We'll take it and we'll use it as strength for next week. That's when you need to just come together as a group and try to do the right things."

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Tuesday's bruising Champions League qualifying defeat by Sturm Graz will not be the last time Hearts fans will be ruing top scorer Lawrence Shankland's summer departure for Rangers, former Ibrox goalkeeper Cammy Bell has predicted.

In their first competitive match under new head coach Wouter Vrancken, the Scottish Premiership runners-up paid for missed chances as the Austrians scored three times in 10 second-half minutes to all but put the tie beyond the visitors.

"It was always going to be a difficult tie, but it is a damaging defeat, especially the manner of the goals that they lost," Bell told the BBC Scottish Football Podcast.

"To lose a goal from a long throw in after four minutes just sets you up for a poor night and they didn't react well to that. When they conceded that goal in the 50th minute, they almost collapsed for 10 minutes - you can't do that at the top level.

"They had the opportunities, but if you don't put the ball in the back of the net against the quality opposition that Sturm Graz are then it's going to hurt you.

"Hearts fans will be very frustrated. They're so used to watching a team that are so strong defensively and they just look really weak.

"How do you lose a goal directly from a throw, not even a flick on, headed straight into the goal? That's unacceptable at that level.

"After that, [Alexandros] Kyziridis had a chance - one-on-one with the goalkeeper and he doesn't even hit the target - and I think, if that's Lawrence Shankland, that's in the back of the net.

"I think there'll be a lot of moments like that coming in the season ahead.

"It looks like a real uphill battle. This tie's absolutely gone for them."

We asked for your views after Hearts were humbled by Sturm Graz in the first leg of their Champions League second-round qualifier.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Paul: Terrible defending. I do not know why they persist with Pierre Landry Kabore - he's bang average and his goal ratio is awful. Give young James Wilson some game time, at least he knows how to put the ball in the back of the net. We were punished due to poor defending and things have to tighten up.

Gina: I thought we looked good when attacking but we need to look at our defence, which let us down badly.

David: Real mixed emotions with this one. We looked very dangerous going forward, even with some of our better players starting on the bench. But our inability to finish moves was very frustrating. The real problem is in defence. Jamie McCart is not nearly good enough for this level, but I assume he was only in because Stuart Findlay isn't quite ready to start after ankle surgery. We wouldn't have had that scoreline with Findlay or Craig Halkett.

Andy: Questionable starting line-up. We conceded some really sloppy goals and looked devoid of confidence in the second half. We'll need to learn quickly and move on.

Davie: The manager got this team selection totally wrong. For our first away leg and first competitive game, we needed to be structured better. We were far, far too open and we don't have the killer touch at the moment to play this way. Most of the better players were sitting on the bench - why?