Why Rangers should prioritise attacks down Hearts' left against transition-repellant formation

Sitting just a point behind Steven Gerrard’s side - the Edinburgh club remain unbeaten after eight league matches.

It was only earlier this year that some supporters protested against Neilson’s role as manager. His side stuttered somewhat towards the Championship title in an unconvincing fashion. 

But some excellent recruitment has helped them to build a strong squad upon their top-flight return - which has, in turn, delivered a powerful start.

A look at the underlying numbers demonstrates that their second-placed position is merited.

Only against Celtic and St Mirren have Hearts had a lower xG than their opponents over eight matches.

Looking at their attacking and defensive output - it's clear their impressive form has been built upon a sturdy defence. 

They are close to the boundary on numerous defensive metrics.

Neilson's side has conceded just five goals and an xG per 90 of 0.82.

Style of play

Hearts have played a 3-4-3 in every league match this season with the exception of a draw with Ross County when they switched to a back four.

Their average position map from their last league fixture demonstrates a well-structured formation.

The system suits the players at the club for several reasons.

While the three centre-backs split very wide to occupy different lanes in possession – Craig Gordon will often hit the final third with his distribution.

See below his pass map from the pre-international break win over Motherwell.

Because the wing-backs often attack as a five with the front three, Hearts usually try to progress the ball centrally if the centre-backs receive the ball. 

Sometimes a wing-back will drop to supplement build-up – but the mantra seems to be to move the ball quickly into the attacking zones. 

Sometimes via passing the ball around the back to invite the opposition forward, before hitting the space.

Keeping either wing-back high allows for plenty of attacking options.

The 3-4-3 is a very effective formation as it allows the maintenance of numbers in attacking and defensive transition.

Given the athleticism of Beni Baningime and Cameron Devlin in the centre of the pitch - Hearts can afford to play a two-man midfield.

READ MORE: Beni Baningime scouted: Should Rangers target the Hearts' midfield powerhouse with action-man hips?

Baningime tops the PAdj pressures table of any player to feature for over 600 minutes in the Premiership, with 24.85 per 90. The former Everton midfielder is second on the counterpressure chart, too - averaging 5.98 per game.

There is flexibility within this system. Michael Smith can come infield to offer a passing option if needed, while the two No.10’s can drop to receive.

An aggressive approach without the ball

Neilson's side tops the counterpressing table. Again given the number of bodies they have in the centre of the park, they can afford to be aggressive when possession turns over.

A look at their defensive activity map shows that intentional central approach. They are most active defensively in the zone outside of the opposition box.

Only Celtic have been more 'aggressive' in the division, a metric that calculates the proportion of an opponent's pass recipients that are tackled, fouled or pressured within two seconds.

A weakness on the right?

Hearts have conceded just five goals in the Scottish Premiership this season – four of which have come from the same side of the box.

A look at their shots against map, only including chances with an xG of 0.05 or higher, demonstrates a potential vulnerability from that side of the box that could be targeted. 

A view from the stands

Adam Kennedy founded the 'Perth to Paisley' Hearts podcast and is the WhoScored Premiership preview writer.

He says summer recruitment has been a big factor in the change of mood at Tynecastle.

"Most fans will tell you that player recruitment has been horrific for the past few seasons, most notably when Craig Levein was attempting to be Hearts manager and Director of Football simultaneously.

"Sporting Director Joe Savage deserves enormous credit for identifying some superb signings.

"The addition of Beni Baningime, in particular, looks as though Hearts have found a real hidden gem. Signing him to a three-year deal, at the age of 23, appears excellent business.

"Cammy Devlin has also been excellent in the few appearances he’s made since joining. The two seem to have a telepathic understanding already, albeit in the limited game time they’ve had together.

"Ben Woodburn is a player that Steven Gerrard will be familiar with, having coached him in Liverpool’s academy.

"Whilst Woodburn hasn’t contributed to any goals just yet, he’s appeared a real shining light.

"And Barrie McKay is another player that anybody associated with Rangers will be familiar with, signing for the men in maroon after the expiry of his deal with Swansea City and a few loan spells at Fleetwood.

"He seems to have taken to Hearts like a duck to water and is a threat from a wide area that the club’s been lacking for a good few years now."