'˜None of this bodes well for the hosts': Journalists' predictions for Hearts v Livingston
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Joel Sked: The scars from the 5-0 thumping in December are still fresh. Livingston are the only opponents Hearts have failed to score against in competitive action this season. Steven Naismith missed a penalty in the league fixture in Gorgie and then there was that showing at the Tony Macaroni Arena. It should act as inspiration to Levein and his players, to show Livingston they can compete and are simply better. Which they are. Fans will be looking forward to seeing new signing David Vanecek who has impressed talisman Steven Naismith already. It will be tight and feisty, Livi have an excellent record against the top sides in the country but Hearts should prevail. Just. Narrow Hearts win.
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Hide AdMark Atkinson: Potentially a really good cup tie. Livingston have been Hearts’ bogey team this season and they certainly won’t be scared of a trip to Tynecastle. More often than not I fancy the Jambos at home, but it won’t be a packed stadium due to TV coverage and the physical nature of Vanecek plays into the hands of Livi’s three centre-halves. I think we might have a replay following on from a score draw.
Anthony Brown: Having failed to beat Livingston in their two meetings this season, there should be no chance of complacency in the Hearts ranks. Buoyed by a strong finish to 2018 and with a point to prove after their 5-0 mauling against the Lions last month, the hosts will have enough quality and determination to shade this one. Prediction: Hearts 2 Livingston 1
Craig Fowler: Hearts have failed to defeat Livingston this season and will be playing in front of a half-empty Tynecastle thanks to the game being on the BBC. Livingston, meanwhile, have received a boost with the news that Ryan Hardie will return to the club. With Vanecek still getting up to speed there remain questions about the Hearts attack. None of this bodes well for the hosts. I can’t shake the feeling Livingston will leave with some sort of result. Prediction: Draw.
Neil McGlade: Hearts turned in an abhorrent display the last time, a performance that saw the players’ Christmas trip to Prague fail to leave the runway. A place in the next round of the Scottish Cup should suffice but I reckon the Jambos will be determined to leave their mark on Gary Holt’s side. However, Livingston are no pushovers and I fancy them to do the double over the Gorgie men. Prediction Hearts 0-1 Livingston
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Hide AdPatrick McPartlin: Hearts have the perfect chance to make up for their crushing 5-0 defeat, but Livingston should arrive with plenty of confidence. Hearts, who have a fully-fit Naismith and new boy Vanecek available, will be a different beast this time around but Livi are no slouches. The return of Hardie will have given Gary Holt’s side a lift. I envisage a breathless, fiery 90 minutes but no outright winner. Prediction: Draw