Heartsvs.Livingston

The Lions are running out of time in a bid to retain their place in the league, while the Jambos are continuing their attempt to secure European football for next season.

Match preview

Hearts took another step toward securing a third-placed finish last weekend by defeating St Mirren 2-1, but it took an own goal from Mikael Mandron to make that happen.

The result strengthened the grip that they have on their current league position, with the club guaranteed to be part of the top half when the division splits.

The Jambos have created breathing room between them and the chasing pack as they sit 11 points above Kilmarnock at the moment, and continuing to try and grow that will be the key focus for the remaining games.

Hearts could also give themselves a boost of momentum with a win this weekend as they prepare to face Rangers in the Scottish FA Cup semi-final in their next outing.

Considering the fact they have beaten Livingston twice already this season, the Jambos are certainly capable of getting another positive result, but it is a game that arguably means more to the visitors.

With Hearts already in a comfortable position, there could be an opportunity for the Lions to pounce and pick up a much-needed three points on Saturday.

Livingston remains rock bottom of the Scottish Premiership having won just three games all season, and with only one of those taking place away from home, there is certainly a lot of work to be done by David Martindale.

The Lions are nine points behind Ross County in the relegation playoff position, which would at least give them a fighting chance of being able to survive the drop.

However, if Livingston wants any hope of reaching that point then it is going to be crucial that they start stringing together some consistent performances that lead to points.

Martindale's men did draw against Aberdeen in their most recent outing, but it has been right games since they last won, which is something that has to be changed immediately.

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

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D

W

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D

W

Hearts form (all competitions):

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W

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L

D

W

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

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L

D

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D

Livingston form (all competitions):

L

D

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L

D

Team News

Beni Baningime missed out on the victory against St Mirren due to illness, but he should be available to make an immediate return to the starting lineup for this match.

However, Hearts will continue to be without Calem Nieuwenhof as he is still not at the point of his recovery process where he can be considered for matches.

Livingston are unlikely to make any defensive changes this weekend after keeping a clean sheet during their most recent performance, which should lead to a flat-back four being used again.

Tete Yengi has been a danger man since joining the Lions in December, and it is expected that he will lead the line as a lone striker.

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Clark; Sibbick, Rowles, Kingsley; Lembikisa, Vargas, Baningime, Cochrane, Forrest; Shankland, Oda

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Nottingham, Obileye, Devlin, Sean Kelly; Bradley, Carson, Holt, Nouble; Stephen Kelly; Yengi

We say: Hearts 2-0 Livingston

Livingston are quickly running out of games in their quest to survive in the Scottish Premiership, and that places a lot of pressure on each performance.

Despite that, Hearts should have too much quality for their opponents which should lead to a routine victory.

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