Hearts are still trying to find their feet in the early stages of the season as they host Dundee United in a Premiership fixture on Sunday. However they have mostly been on the road this season and will fancy their chances at home, especially given their fine record in this fixture.
It has been a rough start to the season for Hearts, who are struggling to replicate last season’s performances that saw them finish this on the standings. They are still winless after three matches in the Premiership and were beaten 3-1 at Motherwell in their previous fixture before losing 1-0 to Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday.
The good news for Hearts is that they have mostly been on the road domestically this season and are returning to Tynecastle Park for only their second fixture. Manager Steven Naismith will take some positives from the 0-0 home draw with Rangers in their opening fixture.
Dundee United appear to have started the season much better than their hosts as they are yet to taste defeat after three Premiership matches. Jim Goodwin’s men began with two straight draws before claiming a 2-0 victory over St Johnstone in their previous fixture.
While things seem to be going good for Dundee United, their away form has not been up to scratch. They have won just once in their three away matches this season and were held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Ross County in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Hearts still favoured
Despite their poor showings so far, Hearts are still considered favourites among the bookies, with a home win priced at 5/6 by Betfred. A victory for Dundee United is valued at 3/1 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 11/4 for a draw.
Recent head to head: Hearts on top
Hearts have a fine record in this fixture and are unbeaten in the last seven matches, claiming five wins in that run. They have also won the last three meetings at Tynecastle Park, including a 3-1 victory in the most recent fixture back in 2023.
Players to watch: Shankland to find form
Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland was the leading scorer in the Premiership last season but is looking a bit off colour at the moment. He has been on target in the last three meetings with Dundee United and is priced at 5/6 by Betfred to find his scoring touch.
Like Shankland, Jort Van Der Sande is also attempting to find his feet after joining Dundee United from the Eredivisie. The striker is priced at 9/4 by Betfred to get among the goals in a traditionally high-scoring encounter.
Probable line-ups
Shankland missed Thursday’s Europa League clash for Hearts with a knock but is likely to be ready for Sunday. Yan Dhanda and Alan Forrest are also expected to return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench against Viktoria Plzen.
Having had a week’s rest after their last fixture, Dundee United are likely to retain much of the same team that beat St Johnstone. Van Der Sande should continue in attack with Kristjan Trapanovski and David Babunski providing support.
Hearts: Gordon, Kent, Kingsley, Rowles, Salazar, Boateng, Spittal, Taylor, Dhanda, Forrest Shankland
Dundee United: Walton, Graham, Gallagher, Adegboyega, Ferry, Sibbald, Holt, Stephenson, Trapanovski, Babunski, Van Der Sande
Anything else catch the eye?
There have been over 3.5 goals in the last six matches between Hearts and Dundee United and a repeat is priced at 13/8 by Betfred. United have seen more goals after the break in two of their last three matches and a similar pattern is priced at 21/20 by Betfred.
Hearts have scored in both halves in their last four meetings with Dundee United and a repeat is priced 6/4 with Betfred.
This Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Dundee United will be played on Sep 1, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Hearts vs Dundee United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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