Preview: Hearts vs. Livingston - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are currently just a single point above the relegation zone, adding plenty of pressure onto this particular fixture.

Match preview

Hearts followed up a defeat at the hands of Celtic with a loss against their Old Firm rivals Rangers at the weekend, which led to them dropping down to seventh in the table.

Lawrence Shankland had seemingly given his team the perfect start when he found the back of the net in the fifth minute of the game, but the Jambos were left feeling frustrated by the final whistle.

After conceding a late 90th-minute equaliser, Rangers added further misery to Hearts in the 93rd minute when Danilo scored a winner, leaving Steven Naismith's men without a single point.

After three results without a win, Hearts now find themselves just two points above the relegation zone, which is a situation they will be aiming to push away from as soon as possible.

However, Hearts have only won a single game at home in the Scottish Premiership this season, which is a run of form the Jambos need to change sooner rather than later.

Livingston will look to exploit that this weekend, especially since a win for them in midweek would guarantee they move above Hearts in the league table, all while pushing away from the relegation zone themselves.

There is only a single point between the Lions and Ross County at the moment, which has not been aided by consecutive defeats following the international break.

After a loss against Kilmarnock, David Martindale's men suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Dundee where much like their opponents, they conceded late goals.

A brace from Joe Shaughnessy after the 82nd minute saw the Lions finish the game with no points and with 10 men after Cristian Montano was sent for an early shower.

Livingston have had problems defensively regarding away games this season, conceding 11 times in just five games, and that is something they will be wary of heading into this one.

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

W

L

W

D

L

L

Hearts form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

L

L

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

D

W

L

L

Livingston form (all competitions):

L

L

D

W

L

L

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Team News

Hearts opted to play three at the back against Rangers at the weekend, and even though they did concede twice the fact both of those goals came in additional time is a sign that it did work, which could see it repeated.

Alex Lowry was taken out of the team due to being ineligible as he is on loan from the Gers, but he could come back into the fold this time around.

The Jambos opted to rest Cammy Devlin and Alan Forrest on Saturday, with Beni Baningime and Jorge Grant being preferred, but all four men are options for the midweek clash.

Livingston will be forced to make at least one change to the starting lineup this time out as Montano is suspended, with Jamie Brandon the likely option to fill in.

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Clark; Sibbick, Kent, Rowles; Cochrane, Nieuwenhof, Devlin, Grant, Lowry; Vargas, Shankland

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; De Lucas, Devlin, Brandon; McKay, Holt, S. Kelly, Penrice, Bradley; Nouble, Anderson

We say: Hearts 1-1 Livingston

Neither of these two teams have been playing with much confidence as of late, and that is something that will likely be reflected in the game itself on Wednesday night.

It is likely going to be a cagey affar considering the fact Livingston and Hearts each require points, and that could lead to them playing out to a draw here.

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