Heart of Midlothian begin 2026 sitting proudly on top of the SPFL Premiership and it would be a major surprise if they slipped up when rock-bottom Livingston come first footing at Tynecastle.
The Jambos lost their final game of 2025, with a second-half comeback coming too late as they crashed 3-2 against Hibs at Easter Road in the Edinburgh derby.
But they still lead Celtic by three points after the Hoops continued their awful start under Wilfried Nancy with a 2-0 midweek loss at Motherwell.
Rangers sit six points adrift and look like the biggest threat to Hearts' title hopes but with the Old Firm facing off this weekend it gives the Jambos the chance to increase their advantage at the top.
They shouldn't have too much trouble at home to a Livingston side who look destined for a return to the Championship after winning just one of their 19 league games so far.
The Lions barely managed a whimper as they were outplayed by Dundee United on Tuesday night and the 3-1 defeat kept them four points adrift of second-bottom Kilmarnock.
So it's hard to see David Martindale's dispirited side putting a dent in the Tynecastle title dream.
How the bookies view it: Home banker at Tynecastle
It's top v bottom so Heart of Midlothian are worthy favourites at a best 3/8 with Betway. Livingston are as big as 8/1 at BetMGM and the draw is also pretty hefty at 4/1 with Ladbrokes.
Recent head to head: Jambos on a roll
Hearts have held the upper hand in this fixture of late, going unbeaten across the last six meetings. They've won their last four against the Lions, including a 2-1 victory in Livingston earlier this season.
Players to watch: Kyziridis back for more
Alexandros Kyziridis has probably been the pick of the summer signings at Tynecastle and the winger scored a late winner when these sides last faced off. The Greek is 7/5 at Bet365 to repeat the trick while the same firm price him at 15/4 to score from outside the area.
Robbie Muirhead is going up against one of his old clubs and the powerful striker looks like Livingston's best hope for a goal. He's 15/4 at Bet365 for a fifth goal of the season.
Probable line-ups
This game will probably come too soon for new Hearts recruits Jordi Altena and Islam Chesnokov. Landry Kabore, Ageu, Calem Nieuwenhof and Finlay Pollok are set to miss out again.
Livingston are still missing Adam Montgomery, Cammy Kerr, Aidan Denholm and Shane Blaney.
Heart of Midlothian: Schwolow, McEntee, Halkett, Findlay, Milne, Baningime, Devlin, Magnusson, Kyziridis, Braga, Shankland.
Livingston: Prior, McGowan, Finlayson, Montano, Wilson, Pittman, Brenet, Tait, Smith, Muirhead, Bokila.
Anything else catch the eye?
Livingston were so poor in midweek that it's hard to see anything but a comfortable Hearts victory in this one. Backing the Jambos at -1 in the handicap pays a decent 21/20 at 888Sport while betting on the league leaders to be winning at half-time and full-time is evens with Bet365.
When one side looks too strong, a handicap bet can even things up. Learn how in our Handicap Betting Masterclass.
Veteran defender Ryan McGowan hasn't been having a good time of it at Livingston, with a red card in the draw against Dundee followed by an own goal in midweek. The Aussie is 10/3 with Bet365 to pick up another card against his old club.
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