Preview: Hearts vs. St Mirren - prediction, team news, lineups

Both Hearts and St Mirren will battle it out for a place in the Scottish Cup semi-final on Saturday, with the hosts hoping to continue their three-game unbeaten run.

The visitors got themselves back to winning ways in midweek against Dundee, but they will also want revenge after being recently defeated by the Jambos in league action.

Match preview

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Hearts have put together a brilliant season so far, currently sitting third in the Scottish Premiership, proving themselves to be one of the most consistent teams in the top flight.

That has translated well into the Scottish Cup, where they are yet to concede a goal in the first two rounds that they have played, blowing away Auchinleck Talbot 5-0.

They then followed that up with a closer contest against Livingston, which remained goalless throughout extra time, eventually being settled via a penalty shootout, which is an experience that could prove useful this weekend.

During their most recent outing, the Jambos showcased their ability to fight for a result until the end, drawing with Dundee United 2-2, with an 81st-minute goal from Craig Halkett proving to be a crucial equaliser.

That desire and ability to compete until the final whistle is a crucial trait for Robbie Neilson's men, and is something that he will want them to take into the cup match.

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For St Mirren, they got back to winning ways in midweek when facing bottom of the league Dundee, picking up a 1-0 victory, and they also competed until the end, with Connor Ronan scoring in the 91st minute.

That ended a four-game streak without a win that the club had been on, which did include the last time they faced Hearts, where the Buddies were defeated 2-0, in a match they finished with 10 men.

Ellis Simms and Cameron Devlin scored two second-half goals to secure the win for the Jambos, which was the exact same scoreline the previous time they met earlier in the season.

While recent history may not be on St Mirren's side, the club fared well in the competition last season, reaching the final four before being knocked out by the eventual winners St Johnstone.

The Buddies will want to go one step further this season, but first they have to go past their first Scottish Premiership opponents in the tournament this season.

Team News

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John Souttar was injured during the recent Hearts match, but it is not believed to be as serious of a problem as had been feared, although Saturday will likely be too early for him to return.

Devlin is also set to be assessed before the match this weekend over fears that he could have torn his hamstring in the same match, while Gary Mackay-Steven and Alex Cochrane suffered injuries as well.

Dean Lyness continued to be used in goal by St Mirren in midweek, and considering the fact he was able to secure a clean sheet, there is a good chance that he will remain in that position.

Ronan will be hoping to follow up his goal on Wednesday with another good performance, while Eamonn Brophy is set to lead the line as a lone striker once again.

Hearts possible starting lineup:
Gordon; Kingsley, Halkett, Ginnelly; Haring, Baningime; McKay, Boyce, Halliday; Simms

St Mirren possible starting lineup:
Lyness; Tait, Shaughnessy, Dunne, Tanser; Jones, Gogic, Power, Ronan, Kiltie; Brophy

We say: Hearts 2-1 St Mirren

Hearts are the stronger of the two teams, and that is reflected by their league positions and the fact that they have won both of their previous encounters this season.

The Jambos would see winning this competition as a perfect way to wrap up what has been an excellent campaign, and with the home advantage, they should be able to secure a place in the final four.

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