The Phobians boss is expected to parade a much attacking squad against the North African giants as they aim at a win on Sunday
Hearts of Oak coach Samuel Boadu is expected to ring changes in the line up that eliminated Guinean club CI Kamsar in the preliminary round of the Caf Champions League as they take on Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Phobians need a favourable scoreline in the first in order to have a realistic chance of progressing ahead of the return fixture next week in Rabat, Morocco.
Following reports from Hearts training sessions throughout this week, at least Boadu is expected to make two changes in the squad especially in midfield.
Goalkeeper Richard Attah has returned from international duties with Ghana and will start ahead of Richard Baidoo and Richmond Ayi. It is certain that Boadu will maintain the back of Fatawu Mohammed, Raddy Ovouka, Mohammed Alhassan and Robert Addo Sowah.
However, youngster Salim Adams will likely start ahead of Caleb Amankwah since the latter has been battling with injury concerns, while Emmanuel Nettey’s place may be taking by Frederick Ansah Botchway in order to make room for striker Kofi Kordzi who started the game against Kamsar from the bench.
With Hearts likely to start the game with a 4-4-2 formation, Afriyie Barnieh and Salifu Ibrahim are expected to attack from the flanks while Isaac Mensah partners Kordzi upfront.
Wydad AC are expected to also miss the services of seven top players due to various reasons.
Wydad’s young goalkeeper Taha Mourid did not travel with the team to Accra due to an injury relay.
The 18-year-old underwent a surgery weeks ago after going through a long period of pain in his right hand and will be missed. It highly unlikely for him to recover on time for the return fixture next week.
Also, Soufiane Karkach, Reda Jaadi, Walid El Karti and Guy Carel Mbenza are all expected not to play a part in the game which will hugely affect them.
The winner after the two games will qualify to the group stage of the competition while the loser drops to participate in the Caf Confederation Cup.
Hearts last reached the group stage of the competition in 2000 and they went on to win the trophy. That season, they also won the Caf Super Cup.
Hearts probable XI vs Wydad AC:
Richard Attah, Fatawu Mohammed, Raddy Ovouka, Alhassan Mohammed, Robert Addo Sowah, Salim Adams, Frederick Ansah Botchway, Ibrahim Salifu, Afriyie Barnieh, Isaac Mensah, Kofi Kordzi