Who will win RFS vs Hearts? Our writers make their predictions for Europa Conference League clash

Hearts are looking to bounce back from their opening Conference League shocker against Istanbul Basaksehir when they went down 4-0 to the Turkish side in Gorgie.

Robbie Neilson's Jambos are in Riga for their clash with RFS who defied the odds in their opening Group A game when they drew 1-1 against Serie A side Fiorentina in Florence.

But Hearts will have to be better than they have been with six defeats from their last season games and here the Record Sport writers make their predictions for the Euro clash.

The Jambos need to cope with the physical side of Rigas game and their height advantage at set-pieces but this is the night to make amends for their mauling from Istanbul. Hearts need to get at the Latvians from the start with the likes of Barrie McKay and Alan Forrest key men in the creative department.

RFS 0 Hearts 1

It’s been a bruising start to the season for the Jambos and three straight European defeats has done nothing to ease the pain. Unfortunately, things could get worse before they get better. They’ll do well to get out of Latvia without more damage being done.

RFS 2 Hearts 1

The Jambos has a rough introduction to the Conference League last week and there’s nothing to suggest it will be any easier in Latvia, against a side that went to Florence and got a point.

RFS 2 Hearts 0

The Latvians were expected to be the also-rans of the group but their surprise point against Fiorentina suggestions they’re not the pushovers Hearts we’re hoping for. Given the miserable run Neilson’s team have been on a score-draw might not be the worst result for the Jambos.

RFS 1 Hearts 1

This is a dangerous tie for Hearts as they need a win but RFS look like they are no mugs. The draw with Fiorentina last week and the win