'Very much a reality check for Stendel's men': Journalists' predictions for Hearts v Kilmarnock

Our online team try to predict the result from tonight's match at Tynecastle

Craig Fowler: If Hearts play like this did in the first half against St Johnstone then this should be a routine three points. Killie eventually won under Alex Dyer at the weekend, but they were going against an opponent in Ross County who are in dreadful form themselves, so there shouldn't be too much to fear if Daniel Stendel's charges are at their best. However, if Hearts play like they did in the second half against St Johnstone, where the only positive was Sean Clare's magnificent equaliser, then this could well be another in a startlingly long list of recent occasions where Killie have travelled to Tynecastle and left with all three points. Stendel whipped the players after Saturday and I expect them to be refocused for this one. Prediction: Home win

Mark Atkinson: I was slightly disappointed that Hearts could not follow up a big win over Rangers by dispatching a fairly average St Johnstone side. It emphasises that while Hearts are on the right road, they have not turned the corner yet. A home match under the lights is so often the recipe for a strong Hearts performance. They have some serious firepower in attack and despite Kilmarnock's huge win over Ross County at the weekend, they come to Tynecastle looking one of the more beatable teams in the Premiership. If Hearts are to make it out of the relegation places, this is the sort of match they have to win. I think they will. Hearts 2-1 Kilmarnock

Joel Sked: After the high of defeating Rangers, the draw with St Johnstone was very much a reality check for Stendel's men. Going on the second half performance in Perth, Hearts were lucky to come away with a point. There were both signs that the team are improving under the new manager but they retain a fragility. Home results against the likes of Kilmarnock, St Johnstone, Ross County etc have been one of the most disappointing aspects of the season. It is these games the team needs to start winning, to not only make Tynecastle a difficult place for opposition teams to come once more but to really start motoring up the table. Prediction: Hearts win.

Clevid Dikamona challenges Eamonn Brophy for possession during the last meeting between the sides. Picture: SNS

Neil McGlade: I really fancied Hearts to pick up all three points at McDiarmid Park on Saturday. Although they did well to rescue a point in the dying embers, their second-half performance was woefully short of where it needs to be if they are to ease their relegation fears. A return to Tynecastle, under the lights, should see the players rise to the occasion. However, Killie's 3-1 win over Ross County on Saturday – their first in the league since the 3-0 victory over Hearts in November – may just throw a spanner in the works. Prediction: Draw

Patrick McPartlin: Stendel's style of play dictates that Hearts are likely to concede quite a few goals while scoring a decent number themselves - as evidenced in Saturday's breathless encounter with St Johnstone. However, that draw came at a ground where the Jambos have suffered in recent years. A game back on home turf against a side that has scored just seven away goals this season should be the perfect follow-up for the Tynecastle club to post another three points in their quest to escape the drop zone. Prediction: Hearts win

Anthony Brown: With Liam Boyce and Steven Naismith both in scoring form, Hearts will be confident of causing their visitors trouble although the 3-3 draw in Perth on Saturday highlighted lingering defensive deficiencies within Stendel’s side. An intriguing and potentially entertaining fixture beckons in Gorgie. Prediction: Hearts 3 Kilmarnock 2