'Is this the match where it finally comes together?' - Journalists' predictions for St Mirren v Hearts

Our online attempts to predict the outcome of tonight’s match in Paisley

St Mirren and Hearts do battle this evening in Paisley

Mark Atkinson

No getting away from how important tonight's match is for both St Mirren and Hearts. A win for either side strengthens their case for survival and gives morale a massive shot in the arm.

With the spectre of coronavirus threatening the league season as we know it, points in this fixture could be crucial. Hearts have shown a level of football in their past three matches that is most definitely enough to defeat the Buddies, but they often find it tough in Paisley and Jim Goodwin's side are not pushovers, especially on their own patch.

This has the potential to be a fraught, nervous match - and I think Hearts might just nick it. Prediction: St Mirren 1 Hearts 2

Anthony Brown

At the time this fixture was initially due to be staged, I fancied St Mirren for victory. Since it was rained off last month, however, Hearts have shown enough in their last three undefeated matches against top-six opposition to suggest that they are now equipped for this significant test of their mettle in Paisley.

Conor Washington’s presence in attack has been crucial to the team’s recent upturn and the Northern Irishman’s willingness to run in behind brings an extra dimension to Hearts’ play, particularly in away fixture such as this. Prediction: St Mirren 0 Hearts 2

Craig Fowler

Is this the match where it finally comes together? Where Hearts put in the kind of performance they only seem to do in games where they're fancied to lose against an opponent they must beat in order to significantly boost their chances of relegation?

Frankly, I have no idea. Nobody does. Under Daniel Stendel they're far too capricious from one game to the next to confidently predict anything. But seeing as defeat would be so disastrous, I'm going to lean on the side of the team eventually realising this game is just as vital as a home game against Rangers or trip to Easter Road and coming up with the goods. Prediction: Hearts win

Patrick McPartlin

It's hard to know whether this will end up being a cagey affair or a frantic, end-to-end encounter. Both sides have goals in them and while Hearts will be looking to build on a very respectable four points from the matches against Hibs and Motherwell, the Buddies will be keen to atone for the 5-0 defeat by Celtic last time out.

Hearts haven't won at St Mirren in the league since December 2010, so those of a maroon persuasion may feel their side is due a bit of luck in Paisley. Daniel Stendel is hopeful of having Sean Clare and Jamie Walker fit for the crunch game but even without those two, the Tynecastle side look to have plenty going forward – and the German has hinted at playing Liam Boyce, Steven Naismith and Conor Washington together.

Jonathan Obika's exploits in front of goal for Jim Goodwin's side have almost gone unnoticed but the former Spurs youngster has hit 11 goals in all competitions and will be looking to add to that tally midweek.

Hearts seem to have the momentum going into this game and I think that will see them over the line - although I would be surprised if it's particularly straightforward. Prediction: Hearts win

Joel Sked

It seems that every game recently has been Hearts' most important. But tonight is up there alongside the biggest league matches the club has played in a number of years.

It will be fascinating seeing Daniel Stendel's starting XI and if he starts all three of Steven Naismith, Conor Washington and Liam Boyce. They will come up against a really combative and organised Buddies side.

There will likely have to be patience from Hearts and can't allow themselves to go behind. It would mean having to chase a game against a stuffy side which will lead to plenty of frustration. It will be a tight and tense evening. Prediction: Draw