Heart of Midlothian carry a formidable defensive record into their Scottish Premiership trip to face Falkirk this weekend. The Tynecastle side have kept their opponents off the scoresheet in seven of the last eight top-flight meetings between the clubs.
Form and momentum
Steven Naismith's team are in excellent form, sitting third in the Premiership with 12 points from five games. Their recent results show a sequence of four wins and one draw, a run that includes a 3-0 victory over Stenhousemuir in midweek. That win was their fourth consecutive league victory, a streak only bettered once since the start of last season.
The Falkirk challenge
The hosts present a different picture, currently 11th with just two points from their opening fixtures. Falkirk have lost each of their last six top-flight matches against Heart of Midlothian and failed to score in all four league meetings last season. They are also on a run of four straight home defeats in the Premiership, a streak not seen at the Falkirk Stadium for many years.
Defensive foundation
Heart of Midlothian' strength has been built on a solid defensive platform. They have faced the fewest shots of any side in the division this season. Only Aberdeen have fired fewer shots than Falkirk, suggesting a game where chances may be at a premium. The only blemish on Heart of Midlothian' recent record against Falkirk was a win back in February 2010.
Naismith will be without several players for the trip. Ageu, Craig Halkett, Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Tom Renaud are all currently sidelined. The manager will hope the momentum from their winning run can overcome these absences.
Heart of Midlothian will look to maintain their push towards the Championship Round places, with the top six securing those spots. The match kicks off at 15:00 UK time on Saturday.
