The Scottish Premiership is at the halfway stage for Heart of Midlothian and the team sit top of the league, 12 months on from finishing 2024 second bottom.
Saturday's derby defeat was a frustrating one for all involved. Even with that loss, the 41 points from 19 games is the club's highest total at that stage in the Premiership since 2005/06.
The new year brings with it a run of fixtures which are, on paper, favourable. Hearts play three of the bottom four, two of which are at Tynecastle Park, before a Scottish Cup tie and then a home clash with Celtic toward the end of the month.
This week also brings the opening of the January transfer window. Derek McInnes, speaking last week, outlined his hope that business would be done early, with the ultimate aim of coming out of the window stronger than they entered it.
"I think that's important [to get business done early]. I think for us, to recognise every game is so important. Every three points is vital," he said.
"It's like anything, if you can get deals done. It's called the January window, but a lot of the time, clubs don't actually get things done until the last couple of days because it's a game of poker, everybody's wanting to get the best deal for their club.
"So if you can strike quickly in the window, from the start of the window to the end of the window is four or five games, so you get the benefit of that."
Hearts have been planning for January ever since the summer window closed.
They know what is required and have already bolstered their right-hand side with the arrival of Jordi Altena, while the long-awaited signing of Islam Chesnokov is nearing completion as the Kazakh international is set to travel to Scotland this week.
With the window set to open, it is a good time to assess the squad by position and what the transfer window could bring.
Goalkeepers
Alexander Schwolow (2027), Zander Clark (2027), Ryan Fulton (2027), Craig Gordon (2026), Harry Stone (2026)
If anything, Hearts have too many goalkeepers.
Alexander Schwolow has been a solid and reliable presence between the sticks since joining in the summer, barring one error that cost a win against Kilmarnock. The German has been one of the best-performing goalkeepers in the league and is currently keeping club legend Craig Gordon out of the team.
Zander Clark and Harry Stone are on the outside looking in. Gordon is the No.2 and unlikely to go anywhere in January, while Ryan Fulton has been the third goalkeeper in matchday squads, helping with pre-match routines.
If it weren't for injuries to keepers during the summer, Stone would have gone out on loan. Teams looking for an experienced goalkeeper could lead to interest in Clark and a possible move.
Full-backs
Jordi Altena (2029), Christian Borchgrevink (2028), Stephen Kingsley (2027), Harry Mine (2026)
Hearts have really good depth at left-back with Harry Milne and Stephen Kingsley. Both have performed really well following the departure of James Penrice.
McInnes was happy for the duo to state their case following Penrice's move to AEK Athens and they have done just that. They provide the team with a range of attributes.
Right-back has been an issue this season. Centre-back Michael Steinwender and midfielder Oisin McEntee have largely shared the position.
An injury to Christian Borchgrevink didn't help his case early in his Hearts career. Despite a willingness from fans to see him more often, McInnes has preferred, most recently, Steinwender when playing a four-man backline. While the Austrian had a difficult first half against Hibs, he demonstrated his strong defensive qualities in victories over Celtic and Rangers.
It was a position that was pinpointed as one where the club could do business and the arrival of Jordi Altena pushes the Norwegian further down the pecking order, making his future uncertain.
Centre-backs
Jamie McCart (2029), Michael Steinwender (2028), Craig Halkett (2028), Frankie Kent (2026), Stuart Findlay (2026)
An area where the team have adequate depth.
Craig Halkett and Stuart Findlay have developed a strong partnership. One that has a good balance with Halkett's aggressive style, aerial ability and capability on the ball, along with Findlay's pace, mobility and his own strength in the air. That has been seen in both boxes.
Frankie Kent and Jamie McCart provide plenty of experience and dependability as back-up.
Steinwender adds increased versatility, able to play as a right-back or as a centre-back in a three or four.
Central midfielders
Ageu (2029), Tomas Bent Magnusson (2028), Oisin McEntee (2028), Sander Kartum (2027), Calem Nieuwenhof (2027), Beni Baningime (2026), Cammy Devlin (2026)
Cammy Devlin and Beni Baningime remain central figures for Hearts. They have been excellent, individually and as a pair. At the same time, their futures remain uncertain. Hearts have not held contract talks with Baningime, but have with Devlin. However, the Australian will likely consider his options with interest expected.
Tomas Magnusson and Oisin McEntee have been good additions to the middle of the park. Magnusson has performed different midfield roles and shown plenty of promise and McEntee is someone who has earned the trust of McInnes.
There is still a desire for more attacking thrust from the middle of the park. With Ageu making progress in his recovery, Hearts have that player in the building already.
Hamstring injuries have limited club record signing Ageu to just three appearances, but it is hoped he will be back in action at the end of January or the start of February.
The Brazilian should add a different dimension, capable of playing as a No.6, No.8 or a No.10. He is someone who could provide that goal threat that fans have been wanting from midfield.
Sander Kartum is out of favour and could depart if there is sufficient interest. Calem Nieuwenhof has not featured since the League Cup, but is nearing a return from injury.
Wide players
Islam Chesnokov (?), Alexandros Kyziridis (2028), Sabah Kerjota (2028), Alan Forrest (2026), Finlay Pollock (2026), Blair Spittal (2027)
McInnes likes to operate with four wingers. Not only do they provide him with options from game to game, but they can also be game-changing options from the bench.
With Alan Forrest largely a squad player and Sabah Kerjota taking time to adapt after a big step up from the Italian fourth tier, Hearts have not had the same impact on the right side as they have on the left with Alexandros Kyziridis.
The Greek has been a revelation and is easily one of the best players in the Premiership. He scores and creates. In fact, no player creates opportunities for team-mates more in the league than him.
Hearts need a similar threat from the other side. Not only will it give the team more attacking impetus, but it could also free up Kyziridis to be even more destructive to opposition defences.
Kerjota has shown flashes of that quality and should be ready to have a bigger impact. But it is Islam Chesnokov who excites both fans and those within the club.
The Kazakhstan international is due to arrive on Friday. He is viewed as someone who can elevate the team even further. Capable of playing all across the front line, the Kazakh league's forward of the year will likely be a huge threat off the right for McInnes.
With McInnes' desire to play with wide players, something fans want to see, another winger addition shouldn't be ruled out, provided there is an opportunity to add. Josh McPake should arrive in the summer on a pre-contract, but someone to provide Kyziridis with competition and provide more options would be welcomed.
Looking at the profiles of Hearts wingers, perhaps someone with blistering pace.
Strikers
Landry Kabore (2028), Lawrence Shankland (2028), Claudio Braga (2028), Elton Kabangu (2028), James Wilson (2027)
Unlike last season, when there was a reliance on Lawrence Shankland to provide goals, Hearts have two strikers in double figures. Both Shankland (13 goals) and Claudio Braga (11) are heading toward 20-goal seasons.
There is depth with Landry Kabore, who is currently at the AFCON with Burkina Faso, as well as Elton Kabangu and James Wilson.
Now, that could change if Kabangu looks for more game time elsewhere and if Wilson is sent on loan for more game time for his development.
Looking at the profile of the Hearts strikers, Braga is sharp and can make runs behind or down the channels as well as coming towards the ball. Shankland is the most intelligent striker in the league and one of the best at dropping to build the game. Kabore is a threat in behind, adds chaos and power. Kabangu likewise but perhaps doesn't have the same physicality of Kabore. And Wilson is an intelligent, technical forward who can sniff out a goal.
If there was a type that could add to the options, it would be your more old-fashioned target man who can provide more of a physical and aerial threat and can occupy centre-backs.
One name linked with a move to Tynecastle Park is Reginaldo Ramires, but Hearts Standard understands the out-of-contract forward is not a target.
Conclusion
When you compare Hearts to title rivals, they have to do the least amount of work in the next five weeks. As is always the case when a club enters the transfer window, they want to come out stronger.
The need to bolster the right side should be complete come the Dundee game a week on Sunday, provided all documentation is signed off for Chesnokov when he arrives.
If that was all that was to happen, then it would be a positive window.
For squad size and budgetary reasons, a few exits would be welcomed. The additions of Chesnokov and Altena would take the squad size to 32.
Even more so if there is further movement beyond the two additions mentioned.
Now, let's see what the next five weeks bring.
