Hearts vs Livingston Predictions

• Hearts have won just one of their six home matches during the current campaign.
• Hearts are the not-so-proud owners of the SPL’s worst home record.
• No team in the Scottish Premiership has conceded more away goals than Livingston this term.
• Three or more goals have been scored in all eight of Livingston’s away league games this season.
• Hearts continue to search for a new manager following the departure of Craig Levein.

Misery at home for Hearts

After a respectable campaign last time around, Hearts would’ve been hoping to kick on this term, though they’ve unfortunately gone in the wrong direction. Craig Levein was relieved of his managerial duties a month ago, though improvement is yet to be found, as is a new manager.

If you’re going to push for the top three or four, then winning regular home games is a must. Hearts simply haven’t done that. In fact, home form has a been a big problem for Wednesday’s hosts, who’ve won just one out of six at Tynecastle. However, after a couple of encouraging results, one of which was a sturdy draw against title-hopefuls Rangers, The Jam Tarts could be on the up.

When last in action at this venue, Hearts beat St. Mirren by five goals to two. If they can repeat such attacking antics, then there’s no reason as to why they cannot hurt a Livingston side that has struggled to defend away from home.

Leaky Livingston need to tighten up defensively

Much like Hearts at home, Livingston have struggled on their travels. They’ve won just one out of eight away from the comforts of home, losing five of the other seven. At times, they’ve competed offensively, scoring in seven out of eight, but their inability to keep teams out has proved costly.

Away from home, Wednesday visitors have conceded 18 goals, have zero clean sheets and have conceded two or more in seven out of eight. They’ve also given up an average of 5.88 shots on target, as well as an average of 13 shots. Such numbers don’t exactly bode well, even if they’re up against a side that hasn’t thrived.

Tynecastle clash to produce goals

Given the defensive exploits of both this term, ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ appears to be slightly generously priced in the early betting. Both teams have struggled when it comes to conceding shots on target, while both have also floundered in terms of goals conceded. Hearts have shipped an average of 1.5 at home, while Livingston have shipped an average of 2.25. Add in the fact that neither side has struggled to score – Hearts have scored in five out of six at home, averaging 1.67 for, while Livingston have scored in seven out of eight on the road, averaging 1.5 – and it’s easy to feel that a relatively high-scoring game is a tad more likely than the early prices suggest.

In the ‘Correct Score’ market, a 2-2 draw appeals. Both teams look closely matched in the final third, while both are no strangers to scoring and conceding twice at the same time. Between them, the pair have conceded exactly twice in seven of their combined 13 respective home and away games.