Hearts make the trip to Livingston on Tuesday afternoon looking for the victory that will further strengthen their hold of third position in the Scottish Premiership standings.
In sharp contrast, the home side have become cut adrift in bottom spot, heaping the pressure on a revival starting in their first game of 2024.
Match preview
© Reuters
After their struggles in August, it is fair to say that Hearts have come back firing to end 2023 sitting in third spot behind the usual suspects at the top.
A shock win at Celtic in the middle of December acted as the catalyst for three victories in succession, taking advantage of the teams in fifth and sixth dropping points as they look to boost their European qualification hopes.
Lawrence Shankland's last-gasp goal to win the derby at Hibernian gave Steven Naismith's side perfect momentum heading into the home clash with Ross County three days later, but they were fortunate to avoid defeat against the 11th-placed side.
Ross County held a 2-0 lead ahead of the final 20 minutes at Tynecastle before Hearts launched a fightback, with Shankland finding another late equaliser in the 79th minute.
While Hearts are now a point nearer to second-placed Rangers, the most realistic priority is remaining in third, as the current margin is two points at a time when they do not face either of the Old Firm teams until February 24.
From Livingston's perspective, their solid 2022-23 has quickly become a distant memory on the back of an utterly dismal campaign this time around.
As well as just one win being posted in 17 Scottish Premiership matches, Livingston have lost 10 of their most recent 12 outings in the top flight.
Furthermore, only two goals have come in 11 games, albeit both of those have come in the last four encounters in losses to Aberdeen and Motherwell.
Now seven points adrift of safety, David Martindale knows that wins are imperative, particularly when this is the first of three successive league games at the Almondvale Stadium.
Team News
© Reuters
Martindale will consider making a number of changes to his Livingston side, with the most likely inclusion being that of Andrew Shinnie in midfield.
Mohammed Sangare is another player who is in contention, while Jamie Brandon could feature on the right if Martindale switches to a lone central striker.
Naismith will likely tinker with his Hearts XI, possibly rewarding Kenneth Vargas for his goal against Ross County with a start in the final third.
Stephen Kingsley should return to the back three, with Alan Forrest also in line to earn a starting role in one of several areas of the pitch.
Beni Baningime was rested due to tiredness last time out and will be considered for a return to the squad.
Livingston possible starting lineup:
George; Nottingham, Obileye, Devlin; Montano, Pittman, Holt, Shinnie, Penrice; Nouble, Anderson
Hearts possible starting lineup:
Clark; Kingsley, Kent, Rowles; Atkinson, Baningime, Lowry, Nieuwenhof, Cochrane; Vargas, Shankland
We say: Livingston 1-3 Hearts
Having dropped points to Ross County, Naismith knows the dangers of facing teams towards the bottom of the standings. We feel that should sharpen Hearts' focus, however, and the visitors should run out convincing winners on their travels.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
