Hearts v Arbroath preview
Morgaro Gomis is expected to shake off a knock and make Robbie Neilson’s squad for Thursday’s match but Prince Buaben will be given a late test.
New signing Juanma Delgado could make the bench after recovering from a groin injury.
League Two Arbroath are without Mark Whatley (knee) but Craig Johnstone has recovered from a head knock and joins the squad making the trip to Gorgie.
Hearts coach Neilson said: “We’re ready to start the season and we’re looking forward to running back out at Tynecastle, hopefully with a big crowd behind us.
“Arbroath will be a tough test but we’ll prepare properly, work hard and hopefully find ourselves in the draw for the next round.”