Hearts without key man once again - but Robbie Neilson may make changes to frontline

Both Livingston and Hearts will be without influential players when the two teams meet at the Tony Macaroni Stadium on Sunday in the cinch Premiership.

Beni Baningime has an ankle injury.

Livingston left-back Jackson Longridge is suspended, while Hearts will again have to do without Beni Baningime.

Longridge drops out after picking up two yellow cards at Pittodrie on Wednesday night. Livingston lost that match 2-0 against Aberdeen and have slipped to 11th in the table.

Scott Pittman and Sean Kelly are closing in on returns while Adam Lewis (foot) and Daniel Barden (illness) are long-term absentees.

Baningime, who has been very impressive for Robbie Neilson’s men since joining from Everton in the summer, is sidelined with an ankle injury.

Midfielder Andy Halliday dropped out of the squad for Thursday's narrow defeat by Celtic.

Liam Boyce could return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench at Parkhead, where Hearts were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Celtic