What can Hearts expect from Omonia Nicosia?

Like most of the opponents Hearts will face in the Conference League, Omonia are capable of making life tricky but should not strike fear into those at Tynecastle.

Currently sixth in the Cypriot First League after losing their last two games without scoring, the Nicosia side have also lost their last two away games.

Even their 4-0 win against Icelandic side Vikingur in their opener is not as impressive as it looks, with three late goals adding gloss to the scoreline after a competitive game.

Their most recognisable faces are former Manchester City, Inter Milan and Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic, who won this tournament with Olympiakos last term, and centre-back Filip Helander, who won the league with Rangers in 2021.

However, the former cannot play in Europe because he signed after the registration deadline, while Sweden defender Helander is not a nailed-on starter.

What they do have is players with international experience – particularly with Cyprus – and some European pedigree in recent years.

Back in 2022 under Neil Lennon they played Manchester United twice in the Europa League group stage and pushed Erik Ten Hag’s side to the limit before losing 3-2 at home and 1-0 at Old Trafford, thanks to Scott McTominay’s stoppage-time strike.

Now managed by experienced Lithuanian Valdas Dambrauskas, they usually play 4-3-3 and have some good attacking players.

Cameroonian winger Saidou Alioum is quick and scored an excellent individual goal against Vikingur, while Polish striker Marius Stepinski has six goals this season and has played in Serie A and Ligue 1, as well as earning four international caps.

At the back, Brazilian goalkeeper Fabiano made an incredible save against Vikingur and has been at Porto and Fenerbahce, while centre-back Senou Coulibaly is a threat from set-pieces, scoring in their opener to make it five for the season.