DUNDEE UNITED somehow have to find a way to lift themselves after a European horror show as they bid to get back on track against Heart of Midlothian in a tough SPFL Premiership away day.
After an impressive 1-0 home win against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League, thousands of United fans travelled to the Netherlands with high hopes of reaching the play-off round.
But a nightmare soon unfolded as the Dutch side romped to a 7-0 victory, bringing up two of my Thursday bets in the process and a full house for our man Mark.
Boss Jack Ross apologised to fans after watching his side collapse and another defeat at Tynecastle would banish more of the early-season optimism that surrounded his Tannadice appointment.
Dundee United lost at home to Livingston after that first leg in Europe and need to lift their performance levels considerably to stand a chance against the Jambos.
Hearts are unbeaten so far and would have made it two successive wins had Martin Boyle not scored a last-gasp equaliser for Hibs in the Edinburgh derby.
Robbie Neilson's men have a big European date of their own looming, with FC Zurich standing between them and a place in the Europa League groups.
The Tynecastle gaffer will be desperate to go into the first leg off the back of a domestic victory and will hope his side can exploit the weaknesses in United's defence that were brutally exposed in Alkmaar.#
How the bookies view it
It's no surprise to see Hearts as odds-on favourites and the best price for a home win is 8/13 at BoyleSports. Dundee United are as big as 11/2 at Bet365 while the draw pays 3/1 at Betway.
Head to head
Heart of Midlothian are unbeaten in their last five games against Dundee United, winning three of those matches. There was only one Tynecastle showdown last season and it was a thriller, with the Jambos romping to a 5-2 win (below).
Players to watch
New signing Lawrence Shankland endeared himself to the Hearts support with a derby goal last weekend and will be desperate to grab another against old club United. The Scotland striker is 13/10 at Coral for anytime scorer and 17/4 at BetVictor to break the deadlock.
I'd expect Ross to make some changes after that pitiful performance in the Netherlands. Glenn Middleton came off the bench at half-time and should start here, with the winger looking a bit overpriced at 7/1 with Bet365 for anytime scorer. That could be a smart option for long-odds punters.
Anything else catch the eye?
The four games between these sides were all exciting last season, with BTTS trapping in three of them and 18 goals scored in total. Hearts have conceded in both their league games so far and that makes both teams to score appealing here at evens with William Hill. Over 2.5 goals also appeals at the same price with BetVictor, given it landed in three of the meetings last term.
Dundee United were far too passive in Alkmaar and didn't pick up a single booking as they let the Dutch side turn on the style. Ross will demand more ferocity in the tackling at Tynecastle and it could lead to a few cards. United defender Ryan Edwards has one yellow already this term and is 7/4 at Bet365 to collect another here.
This Scottish Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Dundee United will be played on Aug 14, 2022 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.
