Pressure is mounting on Hearts, who are desperate to make home advantage count against Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Conference League playoff round first leg at Tynecastle.
The Edinburgh outfit were minutes away from winning the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership.
But they have gone through an unsettling summer, losing manager Derek McInnes and top scorer Lawrence Shankland to domestic rivals Rangers, and are off to an uncertain start under their new gaffer, Wouter Vrancken.
Hearts were hammered 6-0 on aggregate by Sturm Graz in UEFA Champions League qualifying before sliding to a 7-2 aggregate loss to Benfica in a UEFA Europe League qualifying tie.
They have one last chance to continue their European journey but have been handed a tough task against in-form Rapid Vienna, who are top of the Austrian Bundesliga standings.
Hearts v Rapid Vienna Tips Summary
Best Bet - Rapid Vienna draw no bet @ 11/10
Alternative Bet - Rapid Vienna to win and both teams to score @ 4/1
Bet Builder - Tonni Adamsen to score anytime, Over 2 goals & most goals in the second half @ 5/1
Best Bet: Rapid Vienna draw no bet @ 11/10
Rapid Vienna have had some lean years but they have hit the winning trail this season and can register a ninth victory on the spin by easing to victory over Hearts in the Scottish capital.
Former Norwich head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup has overseen a revival in fortunes for Rapid, who seem set for a big improvement on last season’s fifth place finish.
Rapid have won their opening three league games - scoring 11 goals in the process - and have demolished Andorran outfit Santa Coloma and Estonian side Paide Linnameeskond in UEFA Conference League qualifying, achieving respective 9-3 and 6-1 aggregate victories.
Thorup expects a step up in difficulty against Hearts, but his team should be up to the challenge.
Hearts have won back-to-back domestic matches, but they are suffering from a defensive injury crisis and may struggle to avoid another painful European defeat.
Alternative Bet: Rapid Vienna to win and both teams to score @ 4/1
Punters looking for a more ambitious wager might be tempted to back Rapid Vienna to win the game while failing to keep a clean sheet.
The Austrians have committed to a more attacking approach since the start of the season and have scored 28 goals across eight matches.
However, they have achieved only one shutout in four UEFA Conference League qualifiers and are likely to require multiple goals to register a victory in Edinburgh.
Hearts v Rapid Vienna Bet Builder Tip
Tonni Adamsen to score anytime
Over 2 goals
Most goals in the second half
Pays 5/1
Rapid have a talented offensive line, including Danish forward Tonni Adamsen, who bagged four goals in last Sunday’s 8-0 victory at home to Grazer AK.
Adamsen was a prolific striker for his former club, Silkeborg, and he could make his mark against a depleted Hearts defence.
From a Hearts perspective, their best approach may be to get onto the front foot.
Vrancken’s side have been scoring plenty of goals in recent weeks and they can contribute to a high-scoring outcome.
Hearts may have to chase the game at some point and that could increase the possibility of goalmouth action at both ends.
The Edinburgh side were involved in an extraordinary Scottish League Cup tie at home to Inverness CT on Sunday where they led 1-0 at half-time, fell 2-1 behind in the second half and ultimately ran out 6-2 victors.
There could be more second half thrills and spills against Rapid, ensuring lots of entertainment for those in attendance.
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Key Match Stats
Hearts have failed to win any of their last eight European fixtures
The Jambos have conceded at least two goals in seven of their last eight European games
Hearts have kept just two clean sheets in their last 14 matches
Rapid Vienna have won their last nine games
Rapid have won three of their last four fixtures by multiple goals
Eight of Rapid’s last 10 fixtures have featured at least three goals
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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.
