St Mirren play host to Hearts on Saturday afternoon with the opportunity to move to within one point of the current fourth-placed side in the Scottish Premiership standings.

However, the visitors head into this contest looking to move a step closer to European qualification, something which will be secured if they prevail at the SMISA Stadium.

Match preview

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On the back of Hearts finally ending a five-match losing streak with a 6-1 victory over Ross County, interim boss Steven Naismith would have been quietly confident of troubling Celtic at Tynecastle.

That is how it proved for a time before the sending off of Alex Cochrane - arguably controversially - on the brink of half time swung the game in the visitors' favour.

Celtic ultimately prevailed by a 2-0 scoreline, securing the title in the process, yet Naismith can take the positives from his players already improving under his watch.

The aim is to now retain hold of the final European spot, the Edinburgh-based outfit just one point above city rivals Hibernian with in-form Aberdeen and Rangers still to come.

Hearts have already played St Mirren on three occasions since the start of 2023, both teams registering a win apiece as well as a draw.

Stephen Robinson had high hopes of St Mirren being close to European qualification at this stage having started April with back-to-back wins.

However, conceding three times in the final 11 minute at Rangers has set the Buddies on a downward spiral, defeats following versus Kilmarnock and Hibs.

With a trip to Celtic to follow Saturday's game, Robinson is aware of the importance of collecting a win from their meeting with Hearts.

That said, this remains a team that has won just five of their most recent 18 games in the Scottish Premiership, their top-six spot being earned mainly through their early-season form.

Team News

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Robinson must decide whether to stick with a back five, or revert to a four which proved more successful during the second half versus Hibs.

The latter could be more likely given the circumstances with Keanu Baccus in line to take the place of Declan Gallagher.

Thierry Small should return to the substitutes' bench after serving a one-match ban.

Hearts will be forced into at least one change with Stephen Kingsley in line to replace the suspended Cochrane at left-back.

Stephen Humphreys is an option in the final third, but Naismith may prefer to stick with the remainder of the team which competed valiantly versus the champions.

St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Carson; Strain, Fraser, Dunne, Tanser; Baccus, Gogic, O'Hara; Kiltie; Greive, Main

Hearts possible starting lineup:
Clark; Hill, Sibbick, Rowles, Kingsley; Devlin, Haring; Oda, Shankland, McKay; Ginnelly

We say: St Mirren 1-1 Hearts

With each club losing in different circumstances last time out, it remains to be seen how they will react. A low-scoring draw does not necessarily suit either team, but, for us, it is the most likely outcome.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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