Hearts are set to play host to Dundee on Friday evening for their quarter-final matchup in the Scottish FA Cup.

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After enduring a challenging start to the 2024-25 season, which saw Hearts fail to win any of their first 10 matches across all competitions, the Jambos have been significantly improved in the subsequent months.

Steven Naismith was sacked following that start to the campaign, with Neil Critchley appointed as his successor, and the new boss has managed to turn things around for Hearts.

Critchley has led Hearts to 13 wins, five draws and 10 defeats from his 28 games at the helm, including a particularly impressive run of just two defeats from their last 12 outings, alongside eight wins and two draws.

That run included a 4-1 win against Brechin City in the Scottish FA Cup fourth round, followed by a tense penalty shootout victory over St Mirren after a 1-1 draw in the fifth round, securing their progression to this stage.

Hearts will now be looking to not only book their place in the Scottish FA Cup semi-finals, but also bounce back from a defeat to Edinburgh rivals Hibernian last time out.

Their opponents, Dundee, will be major underdogs heading into the matchup, as the Dark Blue have faced an extremely challenging 2024-25 season to date.

Tony Docherty's men occupy the relegation playoff place in the Scottish Premiership standings, placed 11th with 28 points from their 29 league fixtures, after seven wins, seven draws and 15 losses.

They have been particularly underwhelming in recent outings, failing to win any of their last eight league fixtures, suffering five defeats and recording three draws in that time.

However, the Scottish FA Cup has served as a source of positivity for the Dee throughout this season, brilliantly defeating rivals Dundee United 1-0 in the fourth round, followed by a comfortable 4-0 win over Airdrieonians in the fifth round.

While Dundee will aim to continue their encouraging cup run, the Dee have struggled against Hearts in recent meetings, including back-to-back losses in the last meetings with the Jambos.

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Gordon; Forrester, Neilson, McCart, Penrice; Forrest, Baningime, Devlin, Spittal; Kabangu, Shankland

Dundee possible starting lineup:

Carson; McGhee, Shaughnessy, Donnelly, Larkeche; Mulligan, Sylla, Garza; Adewumi, Murray, Cameron