'I can see this needing a replay': Journalists' predictions for Falkirk v Hearts

Our online team try to predict the correct score as Hearts look to advance in the Scottish Cup

Anthony Brown: Despite the disparity in divisions, it is hard to imagine this being a straightforward night for Hearts given the difficulties they continue to encounter in playing away from Tynecastle. Defensively they remain vulnerable but the renewed presence of quality attackers like Steven Naismith, Liam Boyce, Jamie Walker and Conor Washington - none of whom have been regulars during this hitherto wretched season - should help Daniel Stendel’s side find a way into the quarter-finals. Prediction: Falkirk 1 Hearts 2

Craig Fowler: Stendel has talked about changing the formation to try and shore up the defence, and what better side to experiment against than one two divisions below? It shouldn't take a massive amount of change. Have the two centre-midfielders sitting deeper, deploy wingers that are comfortable going inside - both of these factors will allow the full-backs to continue attacking with gusto - and use Steven Naismith as an out-and-out No.10. Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, Falkirk aren't even that great by League One standards. Hearts win.

Patrick McPartlin: Hearts have already beaten one League One side in this competition, and quite convincingly, but Airdrie and Falkirk are different propositions. Not only are there a fair number of wily old-stagers who have bags of experience in Scottish football, there are also a handful of former Jambos such as Morgaro Gomis and Conor Sammon. Hearts struggled against St Johnstone and only a late rally against ten men made their defeat to Kilmarnock a little more respectable. The Bairns are no mugs and Hearts aren't having an easy time of it at the moment - I can see this needing a replay to determine a winner, which is something Hearts could really do without. Prediction: Draw

A dejected Sean Clare walks off the park after Hearts' defeat to Kilmarnock at Tynecastle. Picture: SNS

Neil McGlade: This could be a real difficult one to negotiate for Hearts. Falkirk are having a fine league campaign and are in the promotion mix, albeit League One, but they will be desperate to show the rest of the country they can still battle with the best in the country. If the Jambos play to their best, they should win. Simple as that. However, how often have the Gorgie side hit top gear this season? A replay beckons. Prediction: Draw.

Mark Atkinson: Difficult match, this, for Hearts. Away from home, against an in-form underdog, on a plastic pitch, with Storm Ciara doing her worst. Bubble popped by kill-joys Kilmarnock and Saints over the past week. Hearts won't lose here because they have enough firepower, but the television haven't rocked up at the coldest stadium in Scotland for no reason. This tie has shock-appeal. Falkirk 3-3 Hearts.