HEARTS saw their unbeaten Premiership run come to an end last weekend and now head into this clash with Dundee United looking to stop a slide that has seen them go four games without a win.
Jambos fans were starting to think their side would be genuine title contenders after Craig Halkett netted a last-gasp leveller at Ibrox to keep them hot on the heels of Rangers at the top.
But Robbie Neilson's side then drew with Dundee and St Johnstone before suffering their first league defeat of the campaign against resurgent Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
So the pressure is on Hearts to deliver when they host a Dundee United side who have also lost a bit of momentum in recent weeks after a stunning start to the season under new boss Thomas Courts.
A seven-game unbeaten league run, which included a Parkhead draw that bust my coupon, had United up at the top of the table alongside the Jambos.
But they could only draw with 10-man Livingston at the Tony Macaroni then followed that up by losing 1-0 to St Johnstone at Tannadice last weekend.
United couldn't find a way past inspired Saints keeper Zander Clark and must now find their shooting boots for the tricky trip to Tynecastle.
How the bookies view it
I'm surprised to see the Jambos as heavy odds-on favourites after their recent slump and the best price on a Hearts win is just 79/100 at Novibet. Dundee United are as big as 21/5 with SBK while the draw pays 19/17 at VBet.
Recent head to head
Hearts won 2-0 when these sides faced off at Tannadice earlier in the season (below) and have lost just one of their last five meetings with United.
The last Tynecastle clash came two years ago, with the Jambos winning a League Cup group stage shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Players to watch
Part of the reason for Hearts' dip in form has been an injury to top scorer Liam Boyce but boss Neilson is hoping he can return here. With doubts still over his fitness it might be safer to back pacy Josh Ginnelly who is 5/2 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
Peter Pawlett has been a regular source of goals from midfield for United, netting five times already this season. I was surprised to see him start on the bench last weekend but he should return to the line-up here and is overpriced at 7/1 with Bet365 for another goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have struggled for goals in the last couple of games but Hearts have conceded in their last four and United in their last three. Betting against BTTS pays just 31/40 at BetVictor so there might be more value in backing both sides to net at 11/10 with SBK.
There's not a great deal between these teams and that makes a one-goal winning margin for either side appealing at 13/10 with McBookie. The half-time draw is another decent option and that pays 11/10 with Bet365.
This Scottish Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Dundee United will be played on Nov 6, 2021 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Heart of Midlothian vs Dundee United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
