Source: Team_Talk
Calderwood: Absences a blow for Hearts
The Tynecastle outfit are still getting used to life without dependable defender Christophe Berra following his move to Wolves, and will also have to cope without the suspended Marius Zaliukas for their Scottish Premier League clash with the Dons.[LNB]And Calderwood believes the absence of the defensive duo is a major boost for his side and a big blow to opposite number Csaba Laszlo.[LNB]"They are two very strong central defenders so it is a massive loss for them," he said.[LNB]"Christophe has come on loads as a player and deserves his break, while Zaliukas is also very strong.[LNB]"It's very difficult when you lose two central defenders like that.[LNB]"Csaba will have to decide whether to put Robbie Neilson, (Christos) Karipidis or (Eggert) Jonsson there so he has a few problems. I'm glad he has them and not me."[LNB]Hearts had Zaliukas and Lee Wallace sent off the last time the sides met in December and Calderwood expects another fiery encounter this weekend.[LNB]"There is always an edge to proceedings when we play Hearts because we have both been battling for third over the past four-and-a-half years," he said.[LNB]"I'm sure there will be a few meaty challenges but I expect it to be a very good game.[LNB]"Tynecastle is one of the best grounds you can go to. They have a wonderful set of supporters and it is very intimidating but I think we have handled that reasonably well in the past few years."[LNB]The Dons are unbeaten in their last seven matches at home but their form on the road has been far less impressive.[LNB]Calderwood, though, is hoping his side can rediscover their touch away from Pittodrie this weekend.[LNB]He added: "We haven't been at our best in our last few away games. We were poor at Kilmarnock and Alloa but managed to dig out victories.[LNB]"But we never got away with it against Hamilton or Falkirk. We know if we play like that on Saturday then we will leave with nothing again."[LNB]The Dons are only one point behind Dundee United and Hearts, who sit third and fourth, respectively.[LNB]And Calderwood knows a win at Tynecastle would be a huge boost for the Dons in the race to finish third.[LNB]"Saturday will be a very big game for both sides," he continued.[LNB]"It won't be the end of the world if you lose but you can help yourself massively if you win.[LNB]"The race for third is going to be nip and tuck until the end of the season.[LNB]"I think Hearts are second favourites to finish third behind Dundee United and we are the outsiders. The bookies aren't often wrong but we have to prove them wrong this time."[LNB][LNB]
