St. Johnstone vs Hearts
Scottish Premiership
Wednesday
7th February 2024
McDiarmid Park
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Scottish Premiership fixture between St. Johnstone and Hearts.
St. Johnstone vs Hearts: Preview
St. Johnstone form analysis
The Saints endured a chastening spell in their recent matches. Their fragile confidence showed during 2-1 home loss to Kilmarnock – Watkins punishing nervous hosts after Watson’s opener before McDiarmid Park darling Clark claimed late consolation. Glimmers of revival followed in battling goalless stalemate away at Livingston next game however. Building fragile foundations, perceived injustice at Miovski’s penalty opener galvanized rousing fightback as substitute Keltjens claimed a late leveller during 1-1 home draw against European chasing Aberdeen.
Signs of progress remained despite surrendering early advantage in an entertaining 1-1 draw next match at home to Motherwell – McGowan netting a goal before Bair swiftly struck back, claiming platform towards renewed push up the division. Opportunity knocked, winning at bottom side Ross County last game. Despite chances at both ends, a lone Mbunga-Kimpioka strike proved decisive in a hard fought triumph to lift Saints off the foot of the table. So while glaring issues remain, initial green shoots offer hope if incremental gains continue.
Hearts form analysis
Hearts’ encouraging return stuttered after throwing away a 2-0 lead at home to draw with Ross County – rallies from Shankland and Vargas cancelling out errors allowing County second half supremacy. Bouncing back followed during an impressive 2-1 win away at Livingston next game however – influential duo Vargas and Shankland decisive again after Shinnie’s late penalty consolation for the hosts. But maddening frailties resurfaced during erratic 3-2 home win over Dundee after that, severely tested despite blowing lead through slack defending – only striking twice late through Oda then Lembikisa to complete comeback proving enough.
Marked improvement returned during professional 2-0 dispatching of European rivals Aberdeen at Tynecastle last game however. Composed first half display rewarded through Grant opener from the spot before Shankland sealed statement victory late on, reaffirming credentials eyeing third. Stung twice surrendering leads away to Dundee last game. Clinical victory highlighted european credentials with talisman Shankland at the double once more to complete comeback 3-2 victory. So while familiar flaws cause frustration, resilience and individual brilliance offers Neilson cause for qualified optimism.
