HEARTS' implosion has been incredible to watch recently after a horror run at the wrong stage of the season saw them lose six in a row.
And anything other than a win against bottom side Ross County on Saturday lunchtime is out of the question.
Interim manager Steve Naismith takes charge of a match at Tynecastle for the first time, but he wasn't able to get a lift last week when his side crumbled to a dismal derby defeat to Hibs.
Quite where it's all gone wrong for Hearts and the squad they had is the big question for him and their European run looks to have made an impact on players who all look leggy.
Malky Mackay's men are not the opposition you want to be playing either. They matched in-form Aberdeen for most of the game last Friday night and could easily have got a point at least in Dingwall.
But six defeats in their last eight games means they are bottom of the league for a reason.
However, a win in the capital would see them go above both Kilmarnock and Dundee United temporarily at least.
How the bookies view it
Hearts are odds-on across the board, but it would take a brave man to steam in at 8/11 with Coral with their form.
County can be backed at 15/4 with bet365 and the draw is 16/5 with Betfair.
Recent head to heads
Hearts have both meetings between the team 2-1 this season at home and away. County have only ever won once at Tynecastle and that was six years ago.
Players to watch
Lawrence Shankland seems to be just about the only Hearts player whose form hasn't fallen off a cliff. He remains Hearts' biggest danger and takes penalties too. He is 27/25 to score with UniBet.
Simon Murray was a pest to Aberdeen defenders last week and he will be the same in Gorgie. He always puts in a real shift and he can score too. He is 12/5 with William Hill.
Anything else catch the eye?
Hearts just cannot be backed with any degree of confidence against anyone just now and certainly not at odds-on. All the value here seems to be with a battling County who don't hand out easy games to anyone and they are crying out to be backed on the double chance at 23/20 with UniBet which gives us the draw on our side too.
They have managed just one clean sheet in their last ten games and County can expose that before the 66th minute at 5/6 on Bet365 by scoring.
Hearts and Ross County like a corner – the Staggies managed ten last week against Aberdeen on their own and Hearts' games have had at least ten and usually substantially more in nine of their last ten games. BetVictor's 11/10 for over 10.5 corners looks a solid shout.
This Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Ross County will be played on Apr 22, 2023 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Hearts vs Ross County prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
