'Hearts must extend three-match unbeaten run to maintain top-six hopes'

Hearts' recent wins against Motherwell and Dundee United may have been narrow in terms of the scoreline but there was an authority throughout both games that has been missing for most of the campaign.

Even in the disappointing draw at Ross County, the majority of the performance was an improvement, despite the two dramatic late concessions.

So what has changed on the pitch? The answer is not too much. The team have been playing with a consistent 4-2-3-1 formation, with Blair Spittal and Musa Drammeh providing width and crosses into the opposition box.

The return of Liam Boyce has clearly helped teenager James Wilson whose ability to press and finish has been evident since his promotion to a starting role.

And when the defence has been breached Craig Gordon has made some top saves, despite his role in Hearts' Dingwall collapse.

But if Hearts fans think they are out of the woods, they can think again. Neil Critchley's side remain in 11th place in the Scottish Premiership, and with only five home games to come before the split in April they need to extend their three-match unbeaten run to maintain prospects of a top-six spot.

And that starts at Pittodrie on Sunday when they face an Aberdeen team determined to end their own dismal run of form.

Just a few weeks ago the Dons looked nailed on for a third-place finish but are now ten without a win including five straight losses.

So as strange as this season has been, a win on Sunday would take Hearts to within eight points of Aberdeen and revive hopes of a European spot next season.