It is not completely impossible that we could finish fourth in the league but even the most optimistic of fans would admit that overcoming an eight point deficit to catch Dundee United is an exceedingly tall order. There is a financial difference between fifth and sixth but there is no doubt that preparing the players for the final is more important.
Will young Carswell get another chance at Tynecastle?
However, there is a fine line to be drawn between resting and rotating players in a way which is effective and simply destroying morale. The players have to know the grander plan but the team needs to remain strong enough to put points on the board – five heavy losses is no way to prepare for Hampden after all.
With that in mind, we're probably lucky to be facing Hearts this Saturday. Their massive lead in the race for third has had them in cruise control for weeks and it would be a surprise if they burst into life now. We have visited Tynecastle twice this season without conceding a goal and in the last meeting between the teams only the post and bar denied us a second victory in Edinburgh this campaign.
The squad seems healthy enough meaning there are choices to be made all over the park. Humphrey reportedly carrying a knock into the semi means he is a prime candidate to be rested but the manager will have to try a number of combinations in the weeks ahead to help him settle on his Hampden eleven – or sixteen.
This will not be an easy game but Hearts have little to play for and a share of the spoils in a low key 1-1 draw would not seem unlikely.