Hearts play host to St Mirren on Saturday afternoon looking to end a run of three successive defeats in the Scottish Premiership.

At a time when the Edinburgh-based side are still clinging onto third position in the standings, St Mirren are fifth and pushing hard for European qualification.

Match preview

In February, there was the assumption that Hearts would cruise to third place in the table, replicating their efforts from the last campaign.

However, Robbie Neilson now has a battle on his hands with his side having succumbed to five defeats in their most recent seven outings in the top flight.

A once-commanding advantage over the chasing pack now sits at one point, and this feels like the biggest test of Neilson's tenure as he bids to keep Hearts as the best of the rest in the country.

While they have suffered three losses in succession, it should be noted that Hearts were away from Tynecastle on each occasion, yet conceding eight times to Celtic, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock will concern their boss.

On a positive note, Hearts have won 10 of their 14 home fixtures this campaign, prevailing in five of their last six and only losing to Rangers.

Opponents St Mirren cannot claim to have done anything spectacular this season, only posting successive wins on one occasion since the start of October.

Nevertheless, frequently adding to their total has kept them in the hunt for the top six and eventual European qualification, and triumphing on Saturday would go some way to achieving the latter.

Stephen Robinson will be delighted with eight points from their last five games, the only defeat coming to Celtic, and they were ruthless in seeing off Livingston last time out even though two of their three goals came from the penalty spot.

The pressure remains on the Saints, though, with a trip to Rangers to follow next weekend, meaning that they can ill-afford a defeat on their visit to the capital.

Team News

With Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark having suffered a hamstring injury last weekend, Ross Stewart is on standby to deputise if required.

Further alterations are expected with Alan Cochrane and Barrie McKay both pushing for recalls after the poor first-half showing at Kilmarnock.

Barring any fitness issues, St Mirren could line up with the same side which stormed past Livingston.

Mark O'Hara - who netted two penalties - was withdrawn at half time of that fixture, but the midfielder is expected to feature at the weekend.

Greg Kiltie is a different option in the centre of the pitch, while youngster Thierry Small will hope to keep his spot at left wing-back.

Hearts possible starting lineup:
Stewart; Smith, Sibbick, Rowles, Cochrane; Grant, Snodgrass, Kiomourtzoglou; Ginnelly, Shankland, McKay

St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Carson; Fraser, Shaughnessy, Dunne; Strain, Baccus, Gogic, O'Hara, Small; Main, Watt

We say: Hearts 1-1 St Mirren

Aside from the Old Firm, this is the most anticipated Scottish fixture this weekend, the feeling being that St Mirren can close the gap on their third-placed opponents to one point. However, we feel that Hearts, playing at Tynecastle, will do just enough to earn a share of the spoils.

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