HEARTS will look to continue their climb up the Scottish Premiership table as they travel to Dens Park to take on Dundee on Saturday afternoon.
After a horrendous start to the campaign in which they took just nine points from their opening 14 matches (W2-D3-L9), Hearts finally seem to be getting their act together.
Neil Critchley’s side have since lost just two of their next 10 Premiership fixtures (W5-D3-L2), with last week's 3-2 win over Kilmarnock not only stretching their unbeaten run to five matches but also moving them up into ninth position, just three points behind city-rivals Hibs in sixth.
Dundee currently sits one place above The Jambos – albeit only on goal difference – following an impressive start to the New Year.
Tony Docherty’s hosts defeated rock-bottom St Johnstone 1-3 before holding both sides of The Old Firm to draws at Dens Park, as well as knocking city-rivals Dundee United out of the Scottish Cup the Monday before last.
How the bookies view it: Jambos favourites
The Bookies have made Hearts favourites to make it four wins from five in the Premiership, with BoyleSports pricing them up at 5/4.
The same firm have Dundee 9/5 to continue their impressive form, whilst the draw is 23/10.
Head to head: Jam Tarts have the upper hand
The Edinburgh club have won four of the past five meetings between the two sides – including a 2-0 victory in their previous encounter in Gorgie last month – but Dundee did the last meeting at Dens Park back in August.
Players to watch: Elton to continue scoring
New Hearts signing Elton Kabangu has made an immediate impact since signing on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise, with the Belgian bagging a brace at Brechin City in the Scottish Cup and the opener in last week's win over Kilmarnock.
Simon Murray is the Dark Blues top scorer in the Premiership this campaign, with the boyhood Dundee fan netting on eight occasions, as well as scoring the only goal in their recent derby win over Dundee United in the Scottish Cup.
Probable line-ups
Dundee once again have a whole host of injuries to deal with, with the likes of Ziyad Larkeche, Scott Fraser, Joe Shaughnessy, Antonio Portales, Jordan McGhee and Billy Koumetio all missing.
Despite having a poor campaign for his standards, Hearts fans will be glad to see Lawrence Shankland make an appearance off the bench in their victory over Kilmarnock last week, but he may start there again on Saturday.
Dundee: Carson, Robertson, Astley, Donnely, Cameron, Mulligan, Sylla, Garza, Ingram, Adewumi, Murray
Hearts: Gordon, Forrester, Halkett, McCart, Penrice, Devlin, Baningime, Spittal, Grant, Kabangu, Wilson
Anything else catch the eye?
Dundee’s opening 23 contests in the Scottish Premiership this season have averaged a league-high 3.39 goals per game, with Over 2.5 Goals paying out in 16 (70%) of them.
Those numbers rise even further when playing at home, with their 12 Premiership fixtures at Dens Park averaging a staggering four goals per game, with Over 2.5 Goals banking in 11 (92%) of them, with 11 (92%) also producing goals at both ends.
Hearts have seen Over 2.5 Goals payout in four of their last seven Premiership matches – although only in one of their past five on the road – but given the previous two meetings at Dens Park between the pair have finished 3-1 & 2-3, I’m happy to back goals here.
This Scottish Premiership match between Dundee and Hearts will be played on Feb 1, 2025 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Dundee vs Hearts prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
