Prior to the Edinburgh derby setback, Hibs had been enjoying something of a post-winter break surge.
And Jack Ross will be hoping that the defeat to Hearts doesn't do too much to derail their bid for Europe.
With four matches still to play before the league split, Hibs sit five points of fourth placed Aberdeen and eight behind Motherwell in third.
Gary Holt's impressive Livingston side are also right in the mix – in fifth place on 39 points from 29 games.
So we thought we'd take a look at who each of the four sides still have to play before the top-six split, and who has the best opportunity to string a set of results together to make that European spot their own.
Hibs
Jack Ross' men have some very winnable fixtures on-paper in the coming weeks, but also face a couple of right tricky ones. Saturday's trip to face Aberdeen could be absolutely crucial. Their fixtures are as follows:
March 7: Aberdeen (A)
March 14: St Johnstone (H)
March 21: Hamilton (A)
April 5: Celtic (H)
Livingston
You could argue that Livingston have the best set of fixtures of all four teams. Gary Holt's men are having a brilliant season, and you wouldn't bet against their good form continuing as we head towards the split. Their fixtures are as follows:
March 7: St Johnstone (A)
March 15: Hearts (H)
March 21: Aberdeen (H)
April 4: Kilmarnock (A)
Aberdeen
Derek McInnes' side face three of their nearest rivals in the coming weeks, so could really put down a marker before their Scottish Cup semi-final with Celtic next month. Their fixtures are:
March 7: Hibs (H)
March 13: Motherwell (A)
March 21: Livingston (A)
April 3: Hearts (H)
Motherwell
Motherwell are currenrtly favourites for that third spot, currently enjoying a three point cushion over fourth placed Aberdeen. However they've got some tough tests coming in the next few weeks – including a trip to Tynecastle to face a Hearts side in some decent form. Their fixtures are as follows:
March 7: Hearts (A)
March 13: Aberdeen (H)
March 21: Kilmarnock (H)
April 4: Rangers (A)
