St Mirren host Hearts this evening at the SMiSA Stadium in Paisley in what promises to be a pivotal encounter for both sides. Hearts arrive on the back of an excellent win against Celtic, while St Mirren will be looking to halt a difficult run and reignite their campaign on home soil.

Hearts currently sit top of the Scottish Premiership table, having played nine games, registered eight wins and one draw and remain unbeaten in the league so far.

They have scored 22 goals and conceded just 7, giving them a goal-difference of +15. Their strong form reflects the confidence within the squad and the impact of manager Derek McInnes since the campaign begun.

By contrast, St Mirren have found life more challenging this season. They are currently ninth in the table after nine games, picking up two wins, three draws and four defeats to amass 9 points, with a goal-difference of -4 (6 goals scored, 10 conceded).

Although the season is just getting started, the Paisley side will feel the pressure to deliver a positive result at home to a visiting Hearts side.

This evening’s fixture pits Hearts’ relentless momentum against St Mirren’s determination to reignite their season. The visitors will aim to extend their unbeaten run and tighten their hold on first place, while the Buddies will be desperate to turn recent frustrations into fuel and remind the league of their quality on home turf.

St Mirren will be without Alex Gogic tonight through suspension and their manager will watch on from the stands after being shown red against Aberdeen last weekend. Hearts have no major injury reports within the current and consistent starting lineup.