Preview: Hearts vs. St Johnstone - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts shall be trying to protect their current spot while a win could see them push into third, meanwhile, the visitors are continuing to try to stay above the relegation zone.

Match preview

Hearts responded to the disappointment of losing the Scottish League Cup semi-final by picking up three points in the Scottish Premiership last weekend, quickly getting back on track.

A Lawrence Shankland brace was enough to dispatch Motherwell with a 2-1 win, and that is something that helped keep the club in fourth spot.

There is only goal difference keeping the Jambos above Dundee right now though which means there is no room for error with each performance that comes.

However, Steven Naismith will be looking above them considering the fact that a win could lead to them overtaking St Mirren if the Buddies slip up this weekend.

Hearts have lacked consistency in home fixtures so far with two victories, draws, and defeats at this point, which is going to be something for them to focus on.

The visitors currently sit in 10th place, just a single point above the foot of the table, but their recent form has seen the team secure consistent points which has got them out of the relegation zone.

The Saints will not want to risk dropping back down into the bottom two spots, and continuing their run of three consecutive matches without a loss would certainly help that.

St Johnstone have picked up seven points out of a possible nine recently, and that included a 1-0 win against Ross County at the weekend with Graham Carey scoring the only goal of the game.

However, even though their performances have improved as of late Craig Levein still needs to bring more out of his team when it comes to away fixture.

St Johnstone are yet to win a match on the road this season, which is going to be an important aspect to focus on if they want to keep climbing the table.

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

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D

L

L

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Hearts form (all competitions):

D

L

L

W

L

W

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

D

D

L

W

D

W

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Team News

Alan Forrest, Liam Boyce and Alex Lowry were all brought back into the Hearts starting lineup last weekend, and following a 2-1 victory a decision could be made to keep them in the team.

Shankland will also be expected to start from the first whistle after scoring a brace during the win against Motherwell, with three at the back likely to be deployed again by the Jambos.

The only change Levein made last weekend saw James Brown replace Sven Sprangler, and after a positive 1-0 victory that is something that could continue.

Matthew Smith will likely find himself in the attacking midfield role once again as he looks to provide for Christopher Kane and Nicky Clark.

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Clark; Kingsley, Kent, Rowles; Cochrane, Lowry, Baningime, Nieuwenhof, Forrest; Shankland, Boyce

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Mitov; McGowan, Gordon, Considine; Robinson, Carey, Phillips, Brown, Smith; Kane, Clark

We say: Hearts 2-0 St Johnstone

St Johnstone have struggled so far this season, and competing away from home is going to make them the underdogs this weekend.

The hosts have been performing well throughout this campaign, and they will be expected to take all three points.

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