Hearts manager Robbie Neilson takes training ahead of Saturday's visit of Livingston.  (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)Hearts manager Robbie Neilson takes training ahead of Saturday's visit of Livingston.  (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson takes training ahead of Saturday's visit of Livingston. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Hearts' predicted starting XI for Premiership match against Livingston - with two changes

Hearts face Livingston on a Saturday afternoon in a return to cinch Premiership action following last week's exploits in the Scottish Cup.

Robbie Neilson's men have all but sewn up third place with a 13-point lead over Hibs, who they'll soon face in the semi-final at Hampden Park.

That will provide impetus for the team to keep their strong recent form going as players battle for a place in the starting XI for the match at the national stadium.

The Hearts head coach also welcomes back a few absentees into the squad after it was left pretty threadbare in terms of depth for the 4-2 win over St Mirren last week.

Alex Cochrane and Josh Ginnelly return having recovered from concussion and illness, respectively, while Gary Mackay-Steven could also make a swift comeback after successful surgery on a broken hand.

John Souttar (ankle) and Cammy Devlin (hamstring) remain sidelined, however. The hope is to have them back by the week before the semi, when Hibs visit Tynecastle in the final game before the split.

Michael Smith has been instructed to rest as his back problem continues to trouble him.

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