FC Zurich vs Hearts Predictions

• 16 of the last 21 matches played by FC Zurich (including friendlies) have contained over 2.5 goals.
• Meanwhile, Hearts have seen 12 of their last 14 outings contain over 2.5 goals.
• Zurich scored 78 goals in 36 games en route to winning the Swiss title last season.

Swiss champions make slow start

Having raced to their first Swiss top-flight title in 13 years last season, scoring 78 goals in 36 league matches along the way, FC Zurich are propping up the Super League after five games of the current campaign, failing to record a win and conceding 10 goals. Their dire form may mean Thursday’s Europa League play-off tie comes at the perfect time for Hearts, but they should still expect a tough challenge.

Indeed, Zurich’s defensive woes have seen them average two goals against per game in the Swiss Super League since Franco Foda replaced Andre Breitenreiter in the dugout, and they also lost a thrilling Champions League qualifying tie against Qarabag, 5-4 on aggregate. 16 of Zurich’s last 21 matches – including friendlies – have now contained over 2.5 goals, as they struggle to adapt following the departures of a few key players, including last season’s top scorer Assan Ceesay.

Robbie Nielson’s Hearts, meanwhile, have made a strong start to the Scottish Premiership season, claiming seven points and scoring seven goals in their opening three fixtures, including a 4-1 thrashing of Dundee United last time out. The Edinburgh club have also seen goals become a key feature of recent games, with 12 of their last 14 contests containing over 2.5 goals (including pre-season outings), and they should be confident of testing an out-of-form defence.

Hearts can trouble Zurich

Given Zurich’s awful start to their first title defence since 2009-10, backing them to beat Hearts in an unpredictable clash is not advised, with over 2.5 goals instead looking a prudent play.

Meanwhile, Zurich have won just one of their last five competitive home matches and their defensive failings suggest Hearts could clinch a valuable result; a 2-2 draw could represent a lucrative correct score punt.