'Remains impossible to make a strong case for Hearts': Journalists' predictions for Hearts v Livingston

Our online team try to predict the result from Wednesday's match as Hearts welcome Livingston to Tynecastle.

Craig Fowler: Hearts won't have a new manager in place for this encounter as the board continue to treat a critical situation with a kind of laissez-faire attitude that most people reserve for paying their TV licence bill. Austin MacPhee's team has been shocking the past two games, but they did have enough to defeat St Mirren in their last match at Tynecastle and, for all their faults, should have enough about them to get some sort of result on Wednesday. Not that it will pacify an angry Hearts crowd, and nor should it. Prediction: Draw

Patrick McPartlin: News of Hearts closing in on their next permanent manager could give the players and fans a much-needed lift, as the uncertainty looks to be coming to an end. A game back on home turf and light at the end of the tunnel should be enough to propel Hearts to victory, although Livi shouldn’t be underestimated. The West Lothian side have enjoyed some good performances so far this term but haven’t won on the road since the opening day of the season. Its not unthinkable that this would end up a draw but with key players coming back for the hosts I can see Hearts edging this one. Prediction: Hearts win

Jake Mulraney in action the last time Hearts played Livingston at Tynecastle. Picture: SNS

Anthony Brown: It remains impossible to make a strong case for a Hearts win at present, particularly at Tynecastle, but the positive vibe created by Daniel Stendel’s arrival as manager, allied to positive memories of the team’s last home game against St Mirren, should go some way to ensuring a more upbeat atmosphere in the stadium. With Livingston in poor form and struggling to score goals, the hosts can eke out a much-needed victory. Prediction: Hearts win

Joel Sked: Tynecastle will likely be much more positive environment with the prospective appointment of Stendel. It wasn't looking that way following the defeat at Ibrox. There were few things to take from Sunday's thrashing but there is little chance Hearts will line up with a back five once again. The midfield area is going to be key. Against Rangers there were no legs to close opponents down. That can't be the case against Livingston who are full of legs in the engine room and at Tynecastle they will be looking to close down Glenn Whelan quickly. Therefore the ball needs to be moved forward quickly which could call for the reintroduction of Jake Mulraney. Hearts have scored just once in five games against Livi so it will unlikely be a pretty game but the players will know the next boss could be looking on. Prediction: Hearts win

Neil McGlade: It would seem the agony is almost over for Hearts fans in this five-week debacle to find Craig Levein's successor.. It shouldn't take him long to work out the mammoth task he has on his hands if he is to turn things around in Gorgie. The Jambos are in desperate need of three points, no matter how they come about. Livingston are on a wretched run of form but are still a solid unit to break down. I can't separate the sides here. Prediction: Draw