Hearts v Petrocub: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Hearts won their opening two UEFA Conference League league phase games but have slumped to 23rd in the table following three straight defeats.

Neil Critchley's side take on Moldovan outfit Petrocub, who have already been eliminated after collecting just a single point from their five matches.

With the fixture list packed over the Christmas period, a win on Thursday could spark some momentum for The Jambos as they look to lift themselves off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership table.

Hearts host St Johnstone on Sunday and then Edinburgh rivals Hibernian on Boxing Day.

With Ross County on the 29th and Motherwell on 2nd January, this is a winnable game they can use to build confidence and keep them in continental football beyond Christmas.

Hearts v Petrocub betting tips and predictions

Total Goals/Both Teams to Score - Over 2.5 goals and no - 3/1

Despite their precarious domestic situation, Hearts should have no issue getting the victory they need and in a one-sided betting heat, it is worth exploring other markets.

A 'no' in the both teams to score odds has landed in Hearts' last four UEFA Conference League fixtures, all of which have ended 2-0.

That scoreline in the home team's favour is 5/1 but with them looking to build confidence, it is worth pushing for over 2.5 goals in the game.

Petrocub have failed to score in three of their last four UEFA Conference League games and may not get on the scoresheet, placing the onus further on Hearts to set the tone.

With the visitors from Hincesti unlikely to to cause too much trouble, a home clean sheet appeals and Critchley's side should have enough to net three or more goals. 

They are 11/8 to score over 2.5 goals, and 7/2 to net over 3.5 goals.

Lawrence Shankland to score two or more goals - 11/4

If Hearts are to seal a top-24 place or even make the top-16 to get a seeding in the draw for the play-off rounds, then they will require a big night from captain Lawrence Shankland.

The 29-year-old is one of eight first-team players who are out of contract in the summer and, with talks over a new deal stalling last season, it is unlikely that he will reach a fresh agreement.

Shankland says he and the club are comfortable with the situation, but his performances have clearly dropped off when you assess his statistics.

However, the Scotland international netted both goals in his team's 2-0 win over Dundee earlier in the month, taking his league tally to three for the campaign.

Shankland has had 20 attempts in this tournament but has failed to score. If there is one player who can produce a big performance, then this is the night to do it and the striker could shine again at Tynecastle.  

Under nine corners - 13/8

Corners have been in short supply for these sides. Hearts have taken just 22, while Petrocub have only had seven.

With averages of 4.4 and 1.4 corners per game, they could be few and far between at Tynecastle, with under seven being 5/1.

There is an opportunity to play it a bit safer, with under nine 13/8 and that looks a good way to go. 

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Hearts v Petrocub odds

Hearts - 2/7
Draw - 4/1
Petrocub - 11/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.