Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live pre-season coverage continues from Scotland as Hearts welcome Everton. The hosts are ahead of the Premier League side in their build-up towards the new season, but the Toffees will still fancy their chances of recording a victory. Let's hope for an entertaining match!

First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news.

TEAMS:

HEARTS: Alexander; Paterson, McHattie, Ozturk, Rossi; McGhee, Nicholson, McKirdy; Walker, Sow

EVERTON: Howard; Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines; Barry, McCarthy, Osman; Mirallas, Lukaku, Kone

So there we have it. The big news in the Hearts camp is that there is a spot in the first XI for 17-year-old midfielder Sean McKirdy, who is a real prospect at the Scottish club. It is otherwise a fairly experienced side, with Osman Sow leading the line with support from Jamie Walker. Turk Alim Ozturk will skipper the team from central defence, while Neil Alexander is named between the sticks for the hosts.

As for Everton, head coach Roberto Martinez has also named an experienced side. Joel Robles is selected ahead of Tim Howard in goal, but ahead of the Spaniard is arguably the Toffees' first-choice back four. John Stones, despite speculation surrounding his future, is in the team, while Arouna Kone will start in attack alongside Romelu Lukaku. Phil Jagielka will skipper the side from the centre of defence.

In truth, the result is not that important this afternoon, but winning certainly breeds confidence. Both managers will have one eye on the start of the new season, and for Hearts that is just next weekend, when they open up at home to St. Johnstone. Everton, meanwhile, still have three more friendlies to play before they begin their Premier League season. Just a reminder that we are building towards a 3pm kickoff here.

It has been a fairly mixed run of pre-season results for Hearts, who actually started their preparations for the new campaign back at the start of the month. They opened with a 2-0 win over Bohemians, before beating Shelbourne 4-2 to make it two wins from two. Raith Rovers were next up for Hearts and another victory followed as they put two unanswered goals past the Scottish Championship outfit.

© Getty Images

The results have been disappointing in recent weeks, however, with a 2-0 defeat at Dumbarton preceding a 2-1 loss at Stirling Albion. A 1-1 draw at Cowdenbeath followed, before they were beaten 1-0 at Preston at the weekend. They have played a lot of football since the end of the 2014-15 season.

This is actually Hearts' final pre-season match before they are in competitive action. The first round of the Scottish Cup starts as soon as Thursday evening, with Arbroath making the trip to this stadium. Their league season then gets underway on August 2 with a home game against St. Johnstone.

As for Everton, they have only played three pre-season games. The Merseyside outfit opened their preparations for the new campaign with a 4-0 win at League One side Swindon Town, before they made the trip to Singapore for the Premier League Asia Trophy, where they made the final of the competition after overcoming Stoke City on penalties following a goalless 90 minutes of action.

Arsenal were Everton's opponents in the final match of the Premier League Asia Trophy and in truth, the Gunners proved far too strong as Roberto Martinez's side lost 3-1. It was a disappointing performance from the Toffees and there is no question that Martinez will be looking for a marked improvement.

As mentioned, Everton still have three pre-season friendlies to play and therefore Martinez still has plenty of time to chop and change. They will remain in Scotland after this match as they prepare for Tuesday's clash against Dundee, before returning to England to face Leeds United on August 1.

Everton's final pre-season friendly is a very special match as Duncan Ferguson's testimonial sees the club take on Spanish side Villarreal on August 2. A certain Wayne Rooney will represent Everton once again, but Manchester United fans, have no fear, it is only for one game. At that point, Martinez will want to have his team ready to start the new league season, which gets underway on the weekend of August 8.

There is no question that the 2015-16 season is a big one for Everton. Martinez almost took the club to fourth in the 2013-14 campaign, but last season proved very disappointing as the Merseyside outfit finished in 11th position. That is simply not good enough for a team of this size and they have the players to make a push for a European place next season. Little over 20 minutes until kickoff in this one...

On paper, however, Everton's start to the season is very tough. They will welcome newly-promoted Watford on August 8, but then face a really difficult run. The Toffees will face Southampton (A), Manchester City (H), Tottenham Hotspur (A) and Chelsea (H) in their next four, before travelling to Swansea City. It does not make great reading for the club in terms of early-season fixtures.

Today's team sheet #HMFCLive pic.twitter.com/JeBiidt7cX — Heart of Midlothian (@JamTarts) July 26, 2015

Everton have confirmed that Steven Pienaar is not involved here after picking up an injury during a training session on Saturday. According to the club's Twitter, he will be "assessed over the next 48 hours". The South African missed a lot of football last season and is now facing more time on the sidelines.

We're delighted to welcome Hearts & Everton legend Alex Young to Tynecastle today, he'll be stepping on to the Tynie turf before kick off — Heart of Midlothian (@JamTarts) July 26, 2015

Little under 10 minutes until kickoff on this mild afternoon in Scotland. It will be a really good test for Everton, who struggled in their last pre-season match against Arsenal. Hearts should be ahead in terms of fitness, but the overall quality belongs to the Premier League side. We are almost ready to begin.

PREDICTION! I think that we will be in for a tight match, without many goals. However, I do expect Everton to return to winning ways in this one. Fitness and preparation are the name of the game for both sides, but I am just going to tip the Premier League outfit to come out 2-0 winners in Edinburgh.

KICK OFF! Both sets of players have joined us on the field for the first period of this pre-season friendly. It will be Everton that get the first 45 minutes underway in front of a healthy crowd...

As expected, both teams are attempting to settle in the early minutes with a period of possession, but Everton are pressing high up the field, which is forcing the hosts into releasing the ball quickly.

Hearts break down the right as Walker finds space before delivering towards Sow, but Stones is on hand to clear at the near post. Plenty of width in both sides this afternoon and that will surely be a feature.

Good work from Mirallas as the Belgian international drives past two defenders before delivering, but McHattie is on hand to clear behind. The resulting corner is delivered towards Lukaku, but Hearts manage to survive the aerial pressure. Just a few signs that the visitors are starting to up the tempo here.

Baines and Coleman are almost playing as wingers at the moment as the Everton full-backs continue to threaten in wide areas, but Hearts have defended pretty well thus far. It must be said that the surface this afternoon is in wonderful condition - credit to the groundsmen for that. Still goalless in Edinburgh.

Half-chance for the home side as Paterson finds space down the right before delivering, but Jagielka is on hand to clear at the near post. The resulting corner will be whipped in...

... GOAL! Hearts 1-0 Everton (Paterson)

Hearts take the lead with nine minutes on the clock as Paterson rises above everyone inside the penalty box before powering his header past Howard. Poor defending from Everton there it must be said!

Hearts are growing in confidence at the moment as Sow delivers a super cross towards Nicholson, who makes contact at the near post, but his header was always moving away from goal. Good work once again in a wide area, which has been a feature of this match in the opening 12 minutes of football.

Walker again finds space in a wide area and again quickly delivers into the Everton box, but Stones is on hand to clear the danger. Not too much from Everton going forward at the moment it must be said.

Hearts are defending very deep at the moment, which is making it difficult for Everton to threaten. Mirallas manages to work a yard in a wide area before delivering, but Alexander is on hand to claim.

Shooting chance for Everton as Baines works the ball inside before finding Osman, but the midfielder's effort was always moving wide of the post. Mirallas also did well in the build-up for the Toffees.

Scenes! Everton are awarded a penalty as Ozturk is adjudged to have stopped Barry's effort finding the back of the net with his hand. It hit his chest! Incredible! Hearts are fuming and rightly so!

Everton are indeed level as Lukaku finds the bottom corner from the penalty spot. Hearts still cannot believe the decision and neither can I. Ozturk made the block with his chest for my money.

In the build-up to the penalty, Alexander also made a wonderful save to keep out a header from Lukaku. Hearts must quickly move on from that incident, but Everton are now firmly on the front foot here.

Another half-chance for Everton as Lukaku just glances a header wide of the post.

Hearts are struggling to deal with Everton at the moment as the visitors continue to threaten in wide areas, with Mirallas and Baines both causing problems. I predicted a tight match, but it has not been the case thus far! Lukaku is next to create a chance for Kone, but the striker was just in an offside position.

Pre-season friendlies can sometimes be a little dull and dreary, but this has been anything but. Hearts started very well, but Everton have grown into the game and are now firmly on the front foot here.

The referee is getting quite a bit of stick from the home supporters at the moment as he awards Everton another free kick, which Alexander just manages to palm clear ahead of the rising Jagielka. Simply all one-way traffic at the moment as Kone, Lukaku and Mirallas continue to change positions up top.

Another half-chance for the away side as Mirallas works the ball into Osman, who spins and strikes towards goal, but McHattie manages to divert the ball behind for another Everton corner. Pressure...

... CHANCE! Osman meets Baines's corner, but his header just whistles wide!

Jagielka is next to try his luck for Everton after another cross from Mirallas, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. Hearts are defending pretty well, but are struggling to threaten down the other end here.

CHANCE! Again it is Mirallas that threatens for Everton as the Belgian drives through the heart of the midfield before finding Lukaku, but the striker's effort from a wide angle clears the crossbar.

Everton score their second of the match as Coleman drives into the Hearts box before setting up Lukaku, who finishes into the bottom corner. Super finish from the Belgian, who has both Everton goals here.

In truth, Hearts have been second best for a large chunk of this match. Everton are seriously on the front foot and Lukaku will fancy his chances of scoring a third here. Little over five minutes of the half to play.

Hearts are taking far too many chances at the back here, and Everton are really pressing high up the field. I should imagine that both managers will be making changes at the interval, but how many? For my own sake, I hope that the changes are staggered in the second period. Still 2-1 to the Toffees in Edinburgh.

Lukaku is a constant threat for Everton at the moment as the Belgian clears the crossbar with a rasping effort, before coming close to meeting a cross from Coleman. Everton are killing Hearts out wide.

CLOSE! Everton come close to scoring a third as Mirallas feeds Lukaku, who returns the favour inside the box, but the Belgian's effort is just a whisker wide. So unlucky Mirallas there!

Better from Hearts as Walker lets fly from distance, but Howard is on hand to make the save.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Everton leading 2-1 against Hearts courtesy of a double from Lukaku. The hosts actually took the lead early on through Paterson, but in truth, it has been all Everton since that early spell. Martinez will be pleased with his side's performance.

As expected, both teams have plenty of players warming-up at the moment, with small-sided games taking place across the pitch. Results are always important, but pre-season is all about fitness and building up to the start of the season. It will be interesting to see if any changes are made at the break.

BENCH WATCH! Hearts have a total of seven subs on their bench this afternoon, and the likes of Billy King, Gary Oliver and Liam Smith will all be hoping for some minutes. Everton, meanwhile, will surely look to use the likes of Steven Naismith, Tom Cleverley, Ross Barkley and Bryan Oviedo in the second half.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period in Scotland. It appears that Cleverley is coming on for Everton, but aside from that, it does not look like many changes.

EVERTON SUB: Cleverley has replaced McCarthy in the Everton midfield.

HEARTS SUB: Billy King is on for Hearts in place of Ozturk.

Everton are awarded their second penalty of the match as Mirallas is chopped down inside the box by McHattie. No arguments about this spot kick - the defender was simply too late on the Belgian.

Lukaku completes his hat-trick as he finds the bottom corner once again.

10,439 in attendance at Tynecastle this afternoon including 1202 travelling Evertonians #HMFCLive — Heart of Midlothian (@JamTarts) July 26, 2015

In truth, Everton are in complete control of this match. Hearts had a decent spell early on, but the Premier League side have been in control since the very early moments. Everton look to have a problem as Kone goes down and stays there, but it does not look too serious for the injury-prone striker.

CHANCE! Another opportunity for the Premier League side as Mirallas leads an Everton counter before finding Kone, who sets up Lukaku once again, but the striker's effort misses the target.

Hearts just cannot seem to get out of their own half at the moment as Everton again work the ball wide into Coleman, who delivers towards Lukaku, but the Belgian is adjudged to have handled - harsh.

Lukaku brings another smart low save from Alexander as Hearts struggle to clear their lines.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments following a number of late challenges. It has been a little untidy at times in terms of poor tackles here!

Half-chance for Hearts as Sow wins a battle with Stones, but his effort flies high of the crossbar.

We are getting to the stage of the match where both managers will be considering more changes, especially Martinez, whose Everton side are behind Hearts in terms of fitness and build-up to the start of competitive action. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining and the visitors still lead 3-1 here.

Kone almost creates a shooting chance inside the Hearts box after collecting a cross from Coleman, but McHattie just does enough to clear at the vital moment. King manages to carry the ball forward for Hearts moments later, but Cleverley is on hand to sweep up, before Sow's effort flies wide of Howard's post.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Everton to score a fourth as Lukaku breaks into the Hearts box, but instead of shooting, he feeds Osman and the midfielder's effort is blocked!

EVERTON SUB: Oviedo replaces Baines at left-back.

HEARTS SUB: Sow is replaced by Reilly for Hearts.

Walker is proving Hearts' biggest threat at the moment as he again picks up possession outside the Everton box, but Stones is quickly on the scene to clear. Little under 25 minutes remaining here.

Lukaku is causing all sorts of problems at the moment as the Everton striker again drives into the box, but again he feeds Kone and again the chance breaks down. More changes are on their way here...

HEARTS SUB: Anderson replaces Gomis in the Hearts midfield.

It is a very open game at the moment, with Hearts enjoying more of the play in the final third. The hosts are struggling to create clear chances, however, which is causing unrest in the stands as one pass played back to Alexander brings boos inside the stadium. Still 3-1 Everton with 70 minutes on the clock.

HEARTS SUB: Another home change as Smith replaces Rossi.

OFF-THE-LINE! Everton come close to scoring a fourth as another fast break leads to Mirallas having a shot on goal, but his effort is cleared off the line by Paterson, before Osman heads wide!

SAVE! Super save from Alexander as the Hearts goalkeeper denies Lukaku, who had met a super low cross from Coleman. The hosts are just about surviving at the moment here. All Everton.

Everton have actually only made one change thus far this afternoon, which is a surprise.

Everton continue to pass and probe in the final third, with Hearts being forced to work very hard to keep the score down in front of their own supporters. I think we will have at least one more goal late on here.

HEARTS SUB: Another change for Hearts as Hamilton replaces Alexander in goal.

EVERTON SUBS: Double change for Everton as Barkley and Naismith replace Kone and Lukaku.

Everton have another chance to threaten from a set piece as Coleman is chopped to the ground, but Mirallas's delivery is headed clear by Paterson. Little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining here.

This has definitely been a worthwhile game for Everton, who were a little disappointing against Arsenal in their last pre-season match. The Toffees remain on the front foot into the latter stages.

CHANCE! Cleverley comes close to adding a fourth for Everton after excellent work in the final third, but the midfielder's effort was always rising just past the post. Good stuff from the Englishman.

HEARTS SUBS: More changes as Walker and McKirdy are replaced by Oliver and Buchanan.

EVERTON SUB: Dowell replaces Mirallas for the visitors.

CHANCE! Just about Hearts' best chance of the second period as King brings a smart save from Howard and the ball bounces to Smith, but the Scot can only fire his effort wide of the post.

Half-chance for Everton this time as Barkley tests Hamilton, but the Hearts goalkeeper is on hand to make the save. End-to-end football as we enter the very final moments of this pre-season friendly.

I should not think that there will be too much added time this afternoon despite the number of changes. It has been fairly free-flowing in the second period, especially in the last 15 or 20 minutes of action.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Everton running out 3-1 winners in Scotland courtesy of a hat-trick from Lukaku. In truth, the visitors were a lot better than Hearts this afternoon. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Good afternoon!