A massive gulf in points separates William Hill Premiership pace-setters, Hearts, from bottom-markers Livingston ahead of their clash on Sunday at The Home of the Set Fare Arena (14.00).
For the record, Hearts have 66 points from 20 wins and six draws with five defeats. Livingston have one win, 12 draws and 18 defeats.
The Jambos have scored 53 goals and let in 25. The Lions have scored 31 and conceded 61, the worst goals against record in the division.
However, the West Lothian club have shown a recent improvement, drawing four of their last five league games while Hearts have won three and lost two of theirs, and ex-Hibs mindfielder, Marvin Bartley, who is managing the club, would love to improve their slim survival chances with a win over the league leaders.
So far this term, the clubs have met on twice. Hearts edged Livingston 2-1 on August 30 thanks to goals from Braga after 47 minutes and Kyziridis two minutes into second-half, stoppage time. Smith had put the home side ahead after 27 minutes.
They met again at Tynecastle on January 3 when the home side edged the contest 1-0, Halkett netting after 18 minutes.
Both sides are desperate for the win. Livingston are on the brink of relegation from the top flight while the Jambos have two heavyweights breathing down their necks.
Resurgent Rangers are second on 63 points from their 31 games and could go top of the table if they beat Dundee United at Ibrox before Hearts kick-off on Sunday. They have a goal difference of 30 while Hearts have one of 28.
Celtic, the defending champions, have 61 points so far and a goal difference of 22 and they can’t afford to slip-up this weekend when they visit Dundee on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the current season ticket renewal window is now open and closes on Friday, May 22. Season ticket holders are granted access to every home Premiership match as well as priority on any European/Cup games.
